Then they shall know that I am the LORD their God, because I sent them into exile among the nations and then assembled them into their own land. I will leave none of them remaining among the nations anymore.
Ezekiel 39:28 (ESV)
Father God, many times I have sung those words, “I’m so glad, trouble don’t last always.” The refrain, “Weeping may endure the night, keep the faith it will be alright,” has been a source of encouragement to me, and to all who take in those lyrics. What is often lost on me, honestly, is the reason behind the troubles that come my way, the lessons that I should take away from the hardships and difficulties. I know that I often say that everything that comes my way has a reason and purpose behind it. But today, my soul is asking me do I always seek to know why? Or do I instead rush to the relief?
Show me, LORD my Lord, not only Yourself but more so Your purposes. As You mold me through the furnace of life, show me how You intend for me to molded and shaped by them. As You make me more like my Savior, help me to fully take in not only the end goal but the process, that I might understand what in me that needs to be changed and what You intend for me to learn by each step. You are the Potter. I am the clay. Perfect Your work in me and through me to Your glory…
The LORD has disciplined me severely, but he has not given me over to death.
Psalms 118:18 (ESV)