Hard Times

When you are in the midst of hard times it is difficult to look at the hard decisions that are necessary and be excited. Looking back on many of the hard times we have had I remember that there were several times I made a decision that was the right choice, but still very difficult and painful to me. I was reminded of these recently when we had some people in our church family facing hard times themselves. A quote from Anne of Green Gables came to mind:

"It's all very well to read about sorrows and imagine yourself living through them heroically, but it's not so nice when you really come to have them, is it?"

Job also went through some of the worst imaginable hard times. He lost his family, his wealth, some of his health, and through all that he was faithful to the Lord. He was probably not all optimistic and happy through those hard times, but he trusted that the Lord was with him and that He loved him. Through all the changes happening around him, Job knew that God was there and that He never changes.

When hard times come our Father wants us to come to Him and to turn these worries over to Him. He wants us to trust that He loves us more than we can comprehend and that He will provide and take care of our needs. He will reward our faithfulness. Job was faithful and praised the Lord's name, even through these hard times, and the Lord poured out His blessing on Job.