Sacrifices

We make sacrifices all over our lives—for family, for friends, for our jobs, for the Lord. The question is how gracious are we? Do we resent it?

We’ve recently had a stretch of sunny days, but our temps have been below normal as a result of clearing. There’s a price to pay.

Want to have a family? There’s a price to pay.

Want to raise a family? There’s a price to pay (and pay and pay). *grin*

Want to earn a promotion? earn a degree? earn respect? Better pay the price.

Aren’t you glad God rewards you for sowing? If all we did was work toward learning a new skill or paying off our mortgages or raising our children and we never saw fruit, we’d get pretty discouraged. But God promises we will reap what we sow. How encouraging. Gives us hope as we plow through the difficulties of sacrificing repeatedly, especially in certain seasons.

So, if you’re in a particularly sacrificial season, remember, harvest is coming. Breakthrough is coming. You will have rest for your weary soul soon. Do what’s right and trust Him with the rest. He’ll reward you for all your sacrifices.

But we should not lose heart in well-doing,
for in due season we shall reap, if we do not faint. Gal. 6:9

Waiting

I’m waiting on spring. A lot of my friends have shared about all the snow they’re getting, record-setting, icy, stormy weather. I shouldn’t complain, since we’re not buried here. But I’d like some spring-like weather. Warm enough for walks or playing in the yard with the family.

You can’t rush spring. It’ll get here when it gets here. And it will get here. Groundhog’s shadow or not, spring will come. Eventually. It’s the waiting that’s hard.

You can’t rush God’s answers. He will answer. He does hear. Sometimes you have to wait. Sometimes the answer is no. Sometimes the answer is yes, but not yet.

You can’t rush warm weather.

You can’t rush blessings.

You can’t force good things to happen.

So, what do you do? Make the most of where you are.

I know of someone who keeps her Christmas tree up all winter (yes, well into February) and lights it on wintry nights. She’s making the most of the cold and snowy weather.

Waiting for a break at work? A promotion? Keep working hard. Be loyal, faithful, dependable. God sees, and He will reward you.

For my writing friends waiting for a contract: keep learning. Keep studying the craft. Don’t give up.

Recently, I struggled with one of my responsibilities. I wear a lot of hats (wave at me if you can relate) and one of those hats seemed a bit too heavy right now. I prayed about it. Why am I here? Is this where God’s wants me (in regards to my involvement with that role) and if so, am I on the right track? Know what God said? “Don’t stop now.” He's implying a breakthrough is coming. The waiting will pay off. The struggle will be worth it.

So, hang in there. Spring will come. A breakthrough may be just around the corner. God is faithful. He is working. Just wait. Trust Him. Be faithful.

Cling to God in the waiting.