Turbulent Times…

Turbulent Times…

This past week was a doozy for me.  I just felt off.  Nothing seemed to be working, no matter what I tried.  I felt frustrated with just about everything in my life.  It was a tough one to experience. 

Getting back to work after a vacation is always a little rough, I fully expected that part, but the shear amount issues were overwhelming.  Things at home have been challenging, namely with out younger son who is just in one of those difficult phases kids go through at times.  Projects are on hold because there are too many.  Even the old habits of not trusting God crept back into my life out of nowhere. 

I am noticing a pattern in my behavior that when times get tough, and I get overwhelmed, I consistently make the wrong choice.  I choose to fall back on my own strength and just manhandle my way through things.  Granted it works most of the time.  I am a big guy, strong, rational, and my nature is to take charge and fix the problems myself.  The issue with that is I typically act without much of a plan, and “occasionally” I create a bigger mess for myself, especially when it comes to the things of God.  I lose faith in him and put that faith in myself which has proven to be not the best choice over the years.

I was reminded of that mid-week with my fight club brothers.  I simply asked a question, but I received much more than the answer I was seeking.  My question was answered but on top of that I was shown love, compassion, and true caring for others.  I was surrounded by the group and prayed over by a group of men who truly love Jesus.  I can’t tell you everything that was spoken over me and my life, but I had quite a few hit home, right where they needed to be. 

I don’t like being the center of attention or asking for help from others.  I would rather be the one helping someone else.  I have a hard time receiving compliments or even taking credits for an accomplishment.  So that experience was not something I would have ever asked for.  But since that day, I have had a sense of calmness in my spirit and mind.  I still don’t know what I should be doing, or what direction I should take, but I am no longer worried about it.

These turbulent times are like rapids in a river.  Everything is calm before and after them.  The rapids are where you are tested.  The rapids are the testing ground.  The rapids are where you earn your victory.  Our lives would be mighty boring without the testing times.  As much as we dislike them, the hard times are what builds our character into something better every time we go through a tough season.  Don’t fear the tough seasons.  Embrace them as you know you will be stronger on the other side of them.

13 Accept the way God does things,

for who can straighten what he has made crooked?

14 Enjoy prosperity while you can,

but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God.

Remember that nothing is certain in this life.

Ecclesiastes 7: 13-14 NLT