Encouragement for a Hard Season

by Lois Flowers

The other day I was reminded of a long-ago season of waiting, sadness and disappointment.

I don’t think about those years much anymore. Back then, though, the struggle I was engaged in affected significant aspects of my life and was never far from my mind.

Perhaps you’ve been there. Perhaps, like me, you find yourself there again.

My challenge is different this time, of course. It’s not nearly as personal or intimate, and yet it’s far more emotionally taxing, if that makes any sense at all.

There are things I tell myself when the going gets especially rough. I’ve mined these bits of truth from scripture, from the rearview mirror of my own life, from watching dear ones walk through trials far greater than any I’ve ever endured.

And as I share these thoughts with you today, know that I need to hear them too.

• You will not always feel how you feel today.

It may seem like you are the only one who has ever been where you are right now, but you’re not.

Somehow, you will get used to your new normal.

• You will find a way to live with what Ann Voskamp calls “your one broken heart.”

• Your current struggle will not always be the last thing on your mind when you go to bed and the first thing you think about when you wake up.

When you come out on the other side, you will be changed. Don’t try to predict it; just expect it.

• The longer you live, the more times this process will repeat itself in your life.

• God will work out what you are going through for your good and His glory.

Day by day—whatever you do and however you feel—hold fast to God and His Word. Seek out His promises. Trust in His never-ending faithfulness.

Remember: He who has begun a good work in you will complete it. He will fulfill His purpose for you. He will not abandon the work of His hands.

He is with you. He is for you. He goes before you.

Always.

Rest in these truths, my friend. I’m resting right along with you.

Lois

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22 comments

Laurie January 27, 2019 - 8:30 am

Thank you for the wonderful reminder, Lois. God is with us always, especially during our struggles!

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Lois Flowers February 5, 2019 - 8:33 am

Amen, Laurie. That makes all the difference in the world, doesn’t it?

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Natalie Ogbourne January 25, 2019 - 11:06 am

As someone who tends to believe that things–good or bad–will always be as they are right now, this was encouraging and helpful. Thanks for sharing part of your journey to encourage others.

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Lois Flowers February 5, 2019 - 8:32 am

You’re welcome, Natalie. I’m so glad this post was encouraging to you! 🙂

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Mary Geisen January 23, 2019 - 7:05 pm

Such good words! I needed to hear them too. You should make a printable for all of us to print out and post on our mirrors! 🙂

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Lois Flowers February 5, 2019 - 8:30 am

A printable is a great idea, Mary. Do you know of an easy way to do that? I always get bogged down when I start thinking about such projects!

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Bethany January 23, 2019 - 2:06 pm

Joining in the rest in Him! Thanks Lois, and praying for you and yours.

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Lois Flowers February 5, 2019 - 8:28 am

Thanks, Bethany. I hope February is going well for you so far. Hugs, friend!

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Jeanne January 22, 2019 - 9:46 pm

Awww, Lois. There is so much quiet wisdom in your post! I think the point that most resonated with me today is that I am not the only one facing the struggles I face. Others have walked through similar situations and come out on the other side. Changed, but alive. And growing.

I’m praying for you, sweet friend.

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Lois Flowers February 5, 2019 - 8:26 am

“Changed, but alive. And growing.” Jeanne, I think that about says it all! No, you are not alone in your struggles. Even though our circumstances are different, I can tell by reading your posts that the lessons, heartaches and questions are similar. I’m so thankful God gives us strength for each new day, just enough for what only He knows is coming. Hugs, friend.

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Trudy January 22, 2019 - 3:56 pm

Thank you for sharing so many hope-filled truths with us in the midst of struggles, Lois. These lines especially speak to me – “Day by day—whatever you do and however you feel—hold fast to God and His Word. Seek out His promises. Trust in His never-ending faithfulness.” Amen! And it’s a comfort to know that when we get too emotionally exhausted to hold fast, He’s still got us in His grip! Love and blessings of strength and peace for each day to you!

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Lois Flowers February 5, 2019 - 8:22 am

Hi Trudy … I’m about two weeks behind when it comes to responding to comments, but I so appreciate your faithful words of encouragement! You’re right … when we are too exhausted to hold fast, God’s “got us in His grip.” I’m so thankful for that. Love and hugs to you, dear friend!

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Lesley January 22, 2019 - 10:24 am

These are great truths to hold onto! It is encouraging to look back and see how God has helped us through struggles in the past and to realise that they didn’t last forever though they may have felt like it at the time. It definitely gives us strength for current difficulties. Thanks for sharing hope!

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Lois Flowers February 5, 2019 - 8:20 am

Yes, Lesley … there’s so much encouragement that can be found when we look back and remember God’s faithfulness in our lives. Thanks for your kind words, my friend!

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Michele Morin January 22, 2019 - 9:48 am

This is wisdom for living, Lois. And there’s so much power in speaking truth to ourselves. I have been helped SO OFTEN simply by remembering that I will feel better about a situation after I have slept.

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Lois Flowers February 5, 2019 - 8:18 am

Ah, yes, Michele … the perspective-altering power of sleep! That’s a reminder, among others, that I really should post on my bathroom mirror. Or maybe on my forehead. I forget these things so easily, but I am always thankful when they return to my mind!

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Jana January 22, 2019 - 9:11 am

“Don’t try to predict it; just expect it.” The difference between those two is significant! Thank you for sharing this collection of encouraging Truths! You’ve encouraged me today!

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Lois Flowers February 5, 2019 - 8:16 am

I’m so glad to hear that, Jana. Blessings to you this week!

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Lisa notes January 22, 2019 - 6:59 am

Oh, these are balm for my soul this week, Lois. There will always be new, difficult situations as long as we live. I don’t know that I will ever welcome them, but I do want to grow from them. I’m in a situation now that makes me very uncomfortable, so this: “When you come out on the other side, you will be changed. Don’t try to predict it; just expect it.” Thank you, friend!

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Lois Flowers February 5, 2019 - 8:16 am

Oh Lisa … I want to grow as a result of those difficult circumstances too. But wouldn’t it be nice if it could all happen a little faster? 🙂 I hope your uncomfortable situation is resolved soon, my friend.

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Linda Stoll January 22, 2019 - 6:37 am

Sometimes we need to have something hope-filled to pull out of our pockets to reassure ourselves that all will be well.

You’ve given us a pocketful of blessings to sift through, Lois. Bless you …

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Lois Flowers February 5, 2019 - 8:12 am

I’m glad you found this post to be hope-filled, Linda. Sending a warm, long-distance hugs to you this morning, my friend.

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