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Providential Season

It's interesting that the older I get, the more I don't get.  I have discovered that there are just things unexplainable in life.  Things don't always work out the way I expect.  Life is often unfair and unjust.  It seems that if you make any headway in life, you're sure to have at least more set backs and failures than successes.  Yet, in spite of that reality, I have also discovered the freedom that comes from having a prospective on life that sees unexpected and unwelcome times as "Providential seasons."  What am I talking about? 

It was a much earlier time, back in the days of Roman rule and power.  All we have left to read is a letter sent to a friend.  The writer tells us that he is "sending his very heart" with all that he is writing.  We're not exactly sure of the background, other than there has been an escaped slave that has actually become a supportive friend and great helper to the writer.  But now, Paul, the one who writes, is wanting to do the right thing and send this slave back to his rightful owner.  But, he is hoping in making things right, that the owner will also do the right thing for the slave in receiving him back.  There's a lot at stake  with this request.  One has to wonder, why did Onesimus, the slave, leave in the first place?  Had he stolen from his master?  What kind of owner was Philemon, especially since Onesimus had run away?  What would he do now with a chance to take back a disobedient slave?  But those questions didn't seem important, circumstances weren't the issue, background facts weren't needed for explanation.  It is what it is. . . 

Providential pause is that time in life when God allows a circumstance that for all we think and know seems unwise. It often leaves us feeling out of control and desperate.  We find ourselves wondering "what are You up to in our lives, God?"  How could any good come from this?  How could this be the right thing in our life?  How could this be Your will? Yet, it is in this very season, that God reveals Himself, especially his love and grace. Paul writes Philemon and reports that this season of absence of Onesimus may be one in which Philemon actually gains him back not just as a slave, but as a "beloved brother" forever.  Eternity is gained for but a season of loss. . .

Today, I am thankful for the Providential seasons in my life.  Genuine peace has come from trusting the One who allowed this time in my life. . .  

"Thank God not only for what He provides but also, what He takes away.  Be consistent in your gratitude to Him.  Remember life is not just circumstances.  When you get to the place where your spirit is louder than your head, where you're aware that He is consistent--regardless of what's happening around  you, then you can truly be thankful 'in all circumstances.'"
(The Jesus Christ Show, 11/20/11) 




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