Hard times come into all of our lives. They aren’t wanted. They challenge us at our deepest levels of being and can easily send us into a spiral of bad things. Hard times often hit us unexpectedly and leave us reeling. We all know of such times.
I have been in one for quite a while now. It all began with what was to be a simple dental procedure that had been on my schedule for three months. As is often the case, the dentist visit didn’t go well. What was to be simple became hard and set in motion a sickness that I am still in the midst of. I don’t know that I have been sicker for any longer period of time. Added to the misery we had to walk Tucker our beloved Springer Spaniel over the Rainbow Bridge. My heart is battered. Tucker has been a member of our family for over 15 years. He was projected to live only three to six months three years ago. He became known as the “miracle dog” at the vet’s office and around the neighborhood. It didn’t make the final decision any easier.
In the midst of hard times, we get to see what we are made of. We all have strength and heart and soul more than we know or see in easier times. Additionally, hard times give us a chance to find how much our friends and family surround us with love, faith, and strength that we badly need. Hard times have a way of bringing us closer to God as well. During hard times we experience how very much we need the Lord. Sometimes when we are weak we lean all the more on the Lord; if for no other reason because we have little choice. Illusions of immortality and reliance on self give way to a deeper realization of how much we need the Lord.
Yes, there are blessings that come to us in the midst of hard times. As I write this I have no idea when I will feel better. Today would be just; fine that hasn’t happened so far. Sickness, loss of loved ones, loss of a job, loss of dear friends, financial ruin are just some of the disguises that appear as hard times.
I pray you will not experience hard times any time soon. I pray you aren’t in the midst of hard times like I am right now. But sooner or later we come upon hard times. They are inevitable. I pray when you are in the midst of yours that you tap into the reservoir of good things that can flow into you during your hard times.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10: