A time so different for me than any of my other experiences at fall retreat in the past. Different because so much has happened, so much has changed in the last two years since I last went.
A reality that usually brings a tide of emotion-- sorrow, anguish, loss, grief. But, this time, one that only brought peace.
Peace and a joy emerging from a place deep within. A place where only God and I have been.
My mind recalled all the journeys and the worlds that have been traveled. The places He has taken me, the things that have broken me, brought me to my knees, made me new.
There is a time and season for everything.
Seasons that must come and go. Seasons where we weep, seasons where we rejoice; find that “God's goodness goes much deeper than pleasure and pain but embraces them both.”
Seasons where we find that He is loving. And He is good. No matter what. For not a moment has been wasted. Not a single heartache or tear.
Every fear, every defeat, every victory, every loss, every gain finds its place in you.
Every fear, every defeat, every victory, every loss, every gain was necessary.
Every fear, every defeat, every victory, every loss, every gain was necessary.
For they have led me straight to You.
Where we find life had not been lost, but found.
And my God, my God, You have been with me, carried me through it all.
I just stood in awe. I stand in awe. At my God who is so faithful. My God who has promised. And spoken and called to me, held me in the darkness; who has spoken and called to me, held me in the light.
Changed me. Broken me. Healed me. Redeemed me.
Given me a new heart and a new life.
Given me a new heart and a new life.
Our God who alone can make everything new.
::
Yes, You are my Jehovah Jireh.
My loving God who is good. Who is faithful.
My God who always provides.
