Scripture Read:  Psalm 125, 126

Key Verse:  Psalm 126:5

“Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!”

Observation:

It has often been said, that we are either 1) going into a trial in life, 2) in the middle of the trial or 3) on our way out.  It is so amazing how awesome we feel when we have gone through difficult times in life and God brings deliverance.  We feel renewed; we have hope and unspeakable joy.  It doesn’t feel good when we’re going through but God has a way of totally restoring us and giving us “Beauty for our Ashes!!!

Application:

There have been a few times in my life that I have planted and sown in tears, but the harvest was incredibly rich!  Sometimes God brings us through so powerfully that we can’t wait to go through again, just to see how He brings us out, (that might be exaggerating a bit, but you get my point).  How soon we forget the pain, because the harvest is so plentiful.  2010 was a very difficult year for me; I was tested in tried in many areas of my life.  I found myself counting down the minutes to the end of the year loud and boldly, I couldn’t wait for the turn of the clock and a fresh new beginning.

It’s not the changing of the year or the date that made the difference, it was that I believed that God was positioning me for change, and that He was preparing me for something incredible, and He has.  I haven’t forgotten the things that happened in 2010 and I probably never will, but I am so blessed and totally enjoying where God has me in 2011. I am so thankful for the journey and the outcome.  I believe the experiences that we go through in life, are just food and preparation for the journey.

Prayer:

God, I thank you for every experience and situation that you have allowed me to encounter.  I know that it has made me stronger and wiser.  I don’t always enjoy it when I’m on the journey, but I know that you will equip me with exactly what I need.  Help me Lord, to be patient and accepting of whatever path you direct me in. Thank you for the journey!!!

By Debbee 217staff team