Genesis 50:20a “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.”

We have all encountered various trials and life experiences that have tested and tried our faith. We have gone through storms and faced situations which are unexplainable leaving us with unanswered questions. It could be a myriad of things such as a sudden illness, the death of a loved one, job loss, the ending of a relationship, or maybe you have been wronged by someone.

Personally, I’ve had my share of disappointments. Some didn’t make any sense nor could I comprehend why, but through it all, our Lord and Savior has been faithful. He has not once left me nor forsaken me. He has graciously walked (even carried) me through each of my trials while giving me His peace that surpasses all understanding and the comfort of knowing His presence is always with me. In addition to these truths, the Lord has also granted His wisdom for each situation while confirming to me that my past and present trials as well as future ones are only for a season. They serve a much higher purpose.

1 Peter 4:12-13 says, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”

Trials can be painful and oftentimes, we want them to go away. But I love the encouraging words found in Psalm 30:5b, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” In other words, my hardships are only for a season. The Lord has taken and will continue to take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it around for my good. He will bring beauty from the ashes while lovingly and graciously restoring back to me what I’ve lost even more so.

Isaiah 61:3 To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

Ladies whatever you are facing, I encourage you all to turn to Christ, lay your burdens at His feet, and trust Him for the road ahead. Your trials serve a higher purpose and even though it doesn’t make any sense right now, they are working together for your good and for His glory (paraphrasing Romans 8:28). Your storms, your pain, and your hardships are only for a season. Weeping may endure for a night, but sweet joy is coming in the morning. The Lord will make right all the wrongs and injustice that have been hurled against you. He will definitely turn things around in your favor while giving you beauty for ashes. Trust Him and continually Praise Him for restoration! He’s a Good God!

Joel 2:25-26 “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; and My people shall never be put to shame.”