“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.”
Psalms 126:5-6 NIV
I’ve been battling stick-tight weeds in a flowerbed I neglected through two summers when I was dealing with life’s hard things. But this year, with renewed energy, I attacked the beds.Those sticky little seeds clung to my clothing as I pulled at the weeds. I had to pick them off one-by-one because they could hold on through both the washer and dryer! Why are these things so sticky? It’s all about survival.
Our Battle
We too must learn to cling tightly in the tough seasons. We must be as tenacious as sticky weeds to make it through the trying days with our faith intact.
I have endured times in my life that were all hard; I don’t remember any redeeming moments. Thankfully, God does not keep us in seasons of despair like a bully who holds your head underwater until you either give in to demands or drown. No, he holds our head above water until we can get our feet under us again. He carries us through lessons and consequences from our own poor decisions. And he carries us through attacks instigated by the enemy. My friend, it’s all about faithfulness—his and ours.
Although God always displays his faithfulness first, there is still a part of us that wants to rail at our Father during tough days. Perhaps, after we bargain for a reprieve and it doesn’t come, we decide that there is no good place in faith. So, we walk away from the only one who can sustain us through tears and trials. But know this, even as you walk away, he sticks to you out of ferocious love.
But know this, even as you walk away, God sticks to you out of ferocious love. #steepedintheword Click To TweetBut God
In one particularly hard season for my family, I finally emerged from the pain that had turned to numbness. I lifted my head and looked around. During this and every trial of my faith, God proved faithful. I can see that my heart emerged in a better place than my sisters’ hearts. They had walked a similar path without faith to guide. Now, I look back and I am overcome with gratitude for my Father’s faithfulness. I am glad I serve a stick-tight God.
I am thankful for those sticky seeds planted in my heart. I am thankful for the mentors and teachers who helped plant them. I experienced the value of faith in the fire, which strengthens me for the next hard season.
We know hard seasons will come. Remember this: if your faith is firm, and the Spirit of God lives in you, there is nothing stickier than our God. And even though you are in over your head, he won’t let you drown.
My relationship with God is tried and true. I do not just hear about his sustaining power; I experience it. These experiences of faithfulness make the next wave easier.
If you’re enduring a hard season now, look back. Recognize the provision of a stick-tight, never-failing God.
This post appeared first on the Balanced and Beautiful in Christ Facebook page. Thanks to Jessie Courson for the graphic and to Nicole Williams for her editing prowess.
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