We had our usual equinox storm. When March arrives in the White Mountains it seems to follow the adage, “In like a lion, out like a lamb.” This same note can be added to critical transitions in our lives.

Right now several of our NHCF people are looking for work. Things change. People get caught-up in the ebb and flow of forces beyond their control. We do our best to cope, but in the process we get roughed-up. None of us like the “lion treatment.” Yet, after the storm comes the calm, even a season of mild and temperate weather.

The trick here is to hang on. “Keep on keeping on,” so to speak.

Such endurance is given us by the Holy Spirit as we trust God and prayerfully seek His will in our lives. It gives us the long view. We can see beyond our “momentary light affliction” to a time of well being and joy.

Not to depreciate anyone’s moment of misery, but Jesus has taught us by His life, death and resurrection to be overcomers. He said: “In the world you have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16.33). Too ideal? I don’t think so, especially when we see Jesus suffering and then triumphing in the power of the resurrection.

Our responsibility is to believe. Questions are okay, but when we start questioning God in our daily disappointments, we might be missing the obvious: Those whom the Lord loves He disciplines (Rev. 3.19). His discipline is not mean, nor is it vengeful; it is therapeutic to bring us to repentance and renewal.

Related posts:

1. Spring