Devotional June 5 2020Consider What God Is Doing
In the very early part of my Christian walk shortly after I had gotten married, my wife and I moved to be part of a church plant in a rural area of central Florida. This season in my life was particularly full of trials that constantly drove me to my knees in order to seek understanding, which inevitably strengthened my walk with the Lord.
I remember a time that my wife needed extra medical attention which required a trip to the emergency room. The next day the primary care doctor called her to discuss the results of the tests, and a possible conclusion that at the very least involved surgery. During all this the pastor of the church plant and I were having coffee and talking about what was happening with our lives. I had told him about the struggles with my wife’s health and he responded by asking me, “How is God blessing you through this?” I was really annoyed with the question and I told him that I didn’t know. I remember my prayers to God were very frank and a mess of unfiltered frustration. I had felt really let down by God and I did not understand why this was happening. It turns out that the surgery was a simple procedure and nothing further was necessary.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-3)
James says to consider. We need to take time to reflect and think, “How is God trying to grow me?”
Looking back on that season of life, I realize now that God in His wisdom was dealing with me and making me more dependent on Him. Perhaps there were some areas that God saw it necessary for me to grow in, and the situations in my life at that time were the perfect occasions to strengthen those. As I was going through that season, God was showing me that He is faithful.
Being a follower of Christ gives us opportunities and occasions to consider what God is doing. Even in the difficult seasons, we can be sure that He is up to something. Is there an area in your life that God possibly wants you to consider, “How is God blessing you through this?” How is He trying to grow you in this season?