Periods of Peace

Why do bad things happen?

That's the million dollar question isn't it? That's what everyone wants to know. Why does God let bad things happen? And to "good" people no less! I've been there.

Funny thing is, we never seem to look around and ask why good things happen. When things are going well, do I take the time to seek God's purpose?

2 Chronicles talks about the life of Asa, one of the only (mostly) good kings of Judah. His reign was fraught with war and turmoil, but then in 2 Chronicles 14:5-6 it says,

"...So Asa's kingdom enjoyed a period of peace. During those peaceful years, he was able to build up the fortified towns throughout Judah. No one tried to make war against him at this time, for the Lord was giving him rest from his enemies."

King Asa was given a "period of peace" by God and instead of sitting on his hands, or reveling in his free time, he got to work preparing for the future. He fortified and built up when he didn't need it, so that he would be prepared when he did. God knew what future struggle Asa would face, and He knew that he would need time to prepare, to build up his defenses.

God has blessed me with some amazing seasons of life. I am so incredibly blessed! But the second I'm faced with a "rough patch," when my emotions get the best of me, when the enemy attacks, it is so incredibly easy to just start floundering around like it's the end of the world. You know why? Because my defenses are weak. In the periods of peace that my God has blessed me with, I waste time. Instead of resting in Him, stocking up on scripture, and seeking the Spirit to fill me, I sit on my hands. Not to say that life is all work, that God doesn't want me to enjoy what He's given, that I have the power in myself to make life go the way I want. Nope, nope, and super nope. No, it's just that God wants more for me than a good time. More than ease. It's better than that. God wants me to live a life of purpose, a life worthy of His call. A life of peace that's not dependant on my circumstances. And that is only found by letting Him fill me - in good times and bad. God has known everything about me since before the world began. He knows what I need and when I'll need it. What an amazing God!

Wherever we are today, on the battlefield or in green pastures, I hope we take a minute to look around and ask God, "What do you want from me while I'm here?"

Have a fabulous day friends!
xoxo