"Our trust in the Lord brings healing to our physical bodies and times of refreshment for our souls!" Kathy Spampinato

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:" This verse from Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV is at the beginning of a rather long list of contrasting moments in life: birth and death, planting and uprooting, killing and healing, tearing down and building up, weeping and laughing, mourning and dancing, scattering and gathering, tearing and mending, silence and speaking, hating and loving, war and peace. At first glance this could be understood to mean we do not have any control over circumstances, and we just have to endure the bad times, hoping the good times will come swiftly. However, the Bible has more to say, that gives us a different perspective when faced with challenging moments.

Genesis 50:20 "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children."

Joseph's brothers had thrown him into a pit, that resulted in him being sold into slavery in Egypt. Yet, he recognized that God was working behind the story to bring provision and rescue to God's people. Joseph had no resentment towards his brothers because he recognized the hand of God, and destiny. God works things together for our good to accomplish His goals and to work His plan of redemption.

John 10:10-11 states, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

We all experience different seasons in life; times of difficulty and times of blessing. We go through various challenges at each stage. In these situations God desires you to lean into Him and seek His heart and direction. He promises that His love is for you. Our enemy may set a trap and try to turn your heart away from God because of frustration, anger, pain, or doubt, but Jesus' whole purpose is to bring life into your situation. He gave His own life, for your sake.

Regardless of the situation you find yourself in, the enemy wants to use it to distract and confuse you. He is tempting you to take matters into your own hands; to try and control things, getting your security from your own manipulations. God wants to use it to touch your heart and draw you closer to Him.

Acts 3:19-20a "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,"

Proverbs 3:5-8 tells us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lead on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones."

Our trust in the Lord brings healing to our physical bodies and times of refreshment for our souls!

Today, I am specifically thinking of the seasons we experience in the spirit: times of being an unbeliever, a seeker, a newly saved person; times of stretching and growth from the Word of God, and being transformed by the renewing of our mind. (Rom 12:1-2.) There are seasons when God is growing our faith and teaching us about how He is faithful, our healer, our provider, our confidence, our hope and our redeemer. These are moments when the Spirit of God is drawing us, and refining our walk. We are suddenly not comfortable in the place we've been in. We desire more and crave to see God moving in dramatic ways. Things that previously brought us peace and direction now seem only to tease us. We become uncomfortable with our own habits, relationships and practices. We suddenly do not fit into our environment in the same way. We've become hungry for something more.

If we are not aware of what the Spirit is doing, and how He is leading, this might bring confusion. It is usually a time when God wants to take us up higher. He wants to show us a new level of trust, challenge us to a deeper surrender, or give us an ear to hear what He is saying. It can be a time of movement and preparation for a new experience in Him. It can be a time of refining and placement in a new level of responsibility.

What should we understand when we've been faithfully following and it suddenly seems like nothing is smooth or comfortable? I say, "look up!" The Father has a new revelation, anointing, or understanding for you. He is preparing you for the next level of commitment, responsibility, or calling. He whom He calls, He also equips. If you continue to seek and to follow, He will take you into greater relationship and intimacy. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but God is moving in you and through you. He is guiding you to the next level.

Isaiah 45:5-6 "I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God; I equip you, though you do not know me, that people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other."