It Came to … Pass

 

By Andrea Merrell

And in the process of time it came to pass.

Genesis 4:3 NKJV

The woman had a dream, something she knew God had placed in her heart. She prayed. She used her faith. And she waited … and waited. When she was about to give up hope, the Lord said to her, “This will come to pass.” And it did.

The phrase “it came to pass” can be found in the Bible 436 times. We read story after story where the Lord fulfilled His promises.

The word pass has many meanings, but we want to focus primarily on two. The first is to happen, to be done or said—just like the woman with the dream. When it comes to the promises of God, we should never give up hope.

The second is to come to an end.

We all face various trials of every size and shape, from petty little frustrations to life-threatening situations. The outcome, many times, depends on our attitude and how we deal with these trials. We can settle in and accept them or know that they are only for a season, be it long or short. In other words, tough times may come, but they come to pass. To go away. To come to an end.

Whatever season you’re in—waiting for something to happen or waiting for it to end—don’t lose hope. It’s been said that the only constant thing we can count on in this world is change.

So hold on. Change is coming. And in God’s kingdom, it’s always for the better, no matter what.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash.com and Soheb Zaidi.

There’s No Such Thing as a Problem-Free Life

 

By Andrea Merrell

In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties.

But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.

John 16:33 MSG

 

As I sat quietly one morning, I found myself dwelling on recent circumstances that threatened to take me down. Steal my peace. Rob me of my joy. “It seems it’s always something, Lord,” I complained. “I get over one problem, then here comes another. When do I get a break?”

I’m sure the Lord was smiling as I opened Jesus Calling and read that day’s devotion by Sarah Young:

Do not long for the absence of problems in your life. That is an unrealistic goal since in this world you will have trouble … Begin each day anticipating problems, asking Me to equip you for whatever difficulties you will encounter. The best equipping is My living Presence, My hand that never lets go of yours. Discuss everything with Me. Take a lighthearted view of trouble, seeing it as a challenge that you and I together can handle. ~Jesus

I had to smile too. Busted. Again. Longing for something never promised to me in this fallen world and forgetting that God is always with me, holding my hand and walking me through the fire. Giving me a chance to use my faith, without which it is impossible to please Him. And reminding me that each trial I face produces patience and spiritual growth.

Remember, there’s no such thing as a problem-free life on this earth, but one day it will be our reality for all eternity.

Are you ready for eternity?

Photo by Dmitrii Ko on Unsplash

This Too Shall Pass

By Andrea Merrell

Ever have so many problems you feel as if you won’t make it through another day? I’ve had many of those moments, especially within the past year, and have found myself saying, “This too shall pass.”

We all know trials are part of this earthly existence. They come with the package. But our response to them can many times determine the length and severity. Keeping our focus on the Lord instead of the problem is the biggest key.

Our burdens may seem to linger with no end in sight, but they all have a shelf life. Situations and circumstances I once thought would never change have been transformed by God’s miraculous, loving hand. With Him all things are truly possible. In fact, God calls those heavy burdens “light and momentary troubles” (2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV). The verse goes on to say that these troubles are gaining for us “an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” I love the way the Message puts it in verses 16-18:

So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.

I’ve learned that when the storms of life rage all around me and the darkness closes in, my hope is renewed as I look to the One who loves me, is always with me, and cares about everything that concerns me. With one single word, He can calm the storm and cause the light to break through. Even if the storm continues to rage, He fills me with His peace and gives me a new, godly perspective.

If you’re experiencing a trial that is threatening to take you under, don’t give up. Be still and listen for His voice. He is saying to you, “Hold tightly to my hand, my child. This too shall pass.”

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Stuart Miles. )

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Do Trials Make You Bitter or Better?

By Andrea Merrell

The Lord directs the steps of the godly.

He delights in every detail of their lives.

 Though they stumble, they will never fall,

for the Lord holds them by the hand.

Psalm 37:23-24 NLT

 

No one enjoys going through hard times, whether physical, financial, emotional, or relational, but the Bible tells us trials and tribulations come with the proverbial territory.

There is an old song that talks about never being promised a rose garden. In the same way, God never promised His children there would be no bumps in the road on our journey through life. What He does promise is to be with us every step of the way. He is always there to lead, guide, direct, protect, and provide. He gives us strength, wisdom, and peace. The light of His Word brightens the path before us.

When we wander off the path or the enemy comes against us, God promises to take what the enemy means for evil and destruction, turn it around, and work it out for our good and His glory. He makes beauty out of ashes and turns mourning into dancing. He truly works all things together for good for those who belong to Him.

When I look back over some of the hard times in my life and the storms I have survived, I can see how God took all those moments and events, redeemed them, and threaded them into my life to make me the person He created me to be. It’s much like the artist who adds shadows and contours to a painting to give it character and depth.

When we trust the Lord and allow Him to mold and shape us, He uses all things—big and small—to build character, integrity, and resilience into us. He doesn’t waste a single thing.

Trials can make us bitter or better. I choose better.

How about you?

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/Ambro.)

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Trials can make us bitter or better. Choose better. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to Tweet.)

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