impinged

I’ve spent some time recently reading the stories of some famous biblical figures. Two in particular: Ruth and Joseph. Both had terrible things happen in their life. Joseph was sold by his brother’s into slavery and then betrayed by Potipher’s wife and thrown into prison for years. Ruth’s husband died leaving her in a land without her family and any way to support herself. Neither one of these situations were resolved quickly. Both Joseph and Ruth went through seasons of great distress. But they both had something in common: in spite of their circumstances they pressed on, doing what was right, and honoring God. After these seasons of suffering had sufficiently developed their character, God stepped in and changed everything. In an instant they were blessed and their lives were restored.

From this I think I’ve learned a valuable lesson as to how God works. He brings us through seasons of pain and suffering in order to salt our character. This season may seem to go on entirely too long for our liking, but on the other side there is great blessing. And that blessing comes in an instant. In an instant our lives can turn to a living hell, and it can stay that way for some time, but in an instant God reaches down and lifts us out… at the right instant.