Encouragement – Day 18

Ecc. 3:1-8

3 For everything there is a season, and a time for every ^[a]purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; ⁴ a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; ⁵ a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; ⁶ a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; ⁷ a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; ⁸ a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

So sorry that I have been gone for a good while, but during my hiatus I got a new knee. My left knee has caused me great pains for more than three years and I just tried to ignore it. However, ignoring it did not fix it. So since I am on furlough from work – it seemed like the most perfect time to get it fixed. Oh my goodness, may I say it has been the best thing I have done for myself in a long time. I can walk, stand, sit with zero pain. I am ever so grateful.

The scripture I chose for this encouragement talk speaks about “a time for everything,” and I believe it with every fiber of my being. Have you ever tried to force something to happen, because it is what you wanted? How did it turn out? Many times it just implodes on us. Leaving us with a mess to try to tread through. During this time at home, I’ve had lots of time to ponder. I’ve had time to think what is important and what can be left alone. I have come to the realization that everything has a time. Why do we work so hard to push through life making ourselves and those around us miserable – trying to get what we want, when we want it. Instead of taking a deep breath and asking God “What’s next?” He has a plan. Simple and enjoyable. One that fits us to a “T” I beg you to put the breaks on before you have no strength left. Put each day in the capable hands of God. You may lay your head on your pillow with a sigh of relief – knowing that God led you and you feel peace.

Prayer:

Father God, I am so sorry for how I want everything to go my way. Please help me to release the reins of my life and let you take control. Help me to see the positive and stop focusing on the negative. I want to relinquish my will to trust your leading for you have a plan for everything.

Thoughtfulness Action:

Times are truly in chaos at this time in our lives, which makes it harder for us to trust anyone – especially one we can’t see. However, God has a perfect plan for you if you let him lead. So I challenge you to write down all the things you are striving so hard to make happen. Then look at the list again. Circle the ones that are truly important. Decide why you are wasting so much time on the others. Finally, ask God to help you to turn your hands heavenward and let him take control. Joy and peace will fill your heart. Don’t try to ignore the all the chaos – it won’t get better. These things need fixed. Only God can do that – he has a simple plan.