As many of you know, I have been going through a rather stressful and painful time. But, God, as always, has been faithful on this journey and has been encouraging and strengthening me all along the way. He has opened my eyes to new truths in His word and I can feel my relationship with Him deepening. The new Christian friends He has brought into my life are a great source of joy. I know I am not alone and He is making sure that I’m aware that He’ll never leave me stranded.

God cares about what I’m going through and He cares about what you are going through, too. We can trust that He never, ever wastes a hurt. I truly believe that He uses everything to work together for the ultimate good in His plan. Still, I think to myself, “What will come of this?” and “How can God use me, a woman who so desperately wants to do something meaningful for Him, but is in the middle of just learning how to get up and breathe each day?”


Then, I read such an encouraging word: “Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.” (Psalm 126:5-6)

This time in my life is not a useless season of dryness! No. I know that God is using this trial to shape and grow me. He’s giving me new insights into His word and new levels of empathy for His children. Things that used to scare me before don’t even phase me now. I find that I am excited about the future and He’s placing a desire in me to step out and discover His plan for my life. Yes, even in this time of tears I’m excited about the harvest. I can’t wait to return with shouts of joy!

I don’t think God wants me to stop being productive for Him because I am in a trial. Instead, I think He wants me to use this time to grow, to learn, and to step out of my comfort zone. That courage I’ve been talking about all month is becoming more tangible. God is giving me the strength to face what is before me and to courageously step out for Him.

So, what’s next for me? I don’t know…but I have dreams! And with the help of God, He is showing me how to reach them.

Looking to the harvest,

34 Comments

  1. Beautiful post Joan, that verse means a lot to me too. Joining with you, looking to the harvest. God bless x

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  2. Thank you, Anita! So often during seasons of difficulty, we feel dried up and unusable. However, when we remember that God is using that time to grow us, it is exciting to look to Him and find out what He wants us to do! I'm so glad He's by my side!

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  3. vilmaris conigliaroFebruary 06, 2014

    I pray God contuies to give you strength to endure, its through the fire Gold is purified
    coming from http://3dlessons4life.com/

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  4. Words of truth. I'm looking forward to the day when we both reap a "harvest with shouts of joy." In the meantime God is present, working, and helping us help each other. Glory!

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  5. So true! Trials may be difficult, but just like you wrote, that is how we are refined! Blessings, Joan

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  6. He gives such hope when we look to Him, even in our suffering. And the hope, is what encourages us to keep planting!! It's going to be a wonderful harvest!

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  7. I love the Psalms, especially 126, Joan! It reminds us that nothing given over to God goes to waste. Our heavenly Father even counts each and every tear that rolls down his children’s cheeks: “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle” (Psalm 56:8a esv). Being that wear my emotions on my sleeve, He most likely has gallons of my tears! May you find strength and encouragement in Him, friend!

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  8. He has a gallon of my tears as well! :-) What a comfort it is to know that God truly understands...and He has a plan through it all! Blessings to you, Ann!

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  9. I so believe this Joan...this He will use whatever we are going through (whatever season we are in) to shape and grow us. He is teaching me so much during this time apart from my husband. Love reading of the courage He is giving you. Your words remind us to keep our trust in Him. Thank you!
    Love you,
    Beth

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  10. God is always working, often behind the scenes, to work out His plan. He won't ever forget about us and whatever we are going through. I'm so glad that this time is one of growing!


    Blessings, Joan

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  11. That verse is such an encouragement. I know God appreciates my efforts, even when they may seem small to anyone looking in. God rewards diligence!

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  12. And it's so good to remember that God can use us in all seasons of life! We just need to step out in faith!

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  13. Stacey WilsonFebruary 07, 2014

    Through every trial in life, He brings us to a new level of faith. I see you growing during this season and encouraging at the same time. What a blessing you are!!! Keep planting for your harvest will be ripe and plentiful :)
    xoxox
    Stacey

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  14. Thank you for your openness. I'm happy with the way you write. Your honesty. It is a great testimony if we may write about Gods ways with us in the valleys. Pain en trials are difficult. But hand in hand with Him, we see the Light. Psalm 23 and een lieve knuffel ( a big hug) http://kostbaar.blogspot.nl/

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  15. Dear Joan
    I wish I could email you many hugs of love and a shoulder to cry on. It is not nice to know someone is suffering, but we know that it it in these times that we learn to drink from the Living Streams of Life and not the broken cisterns of the world.
    Luv XX
    Mia

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  16. Oh, Joan, that scripture is beautiful and gives me such hope! Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us in such an open and hopeful way! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3

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  17. Psalm 126:5-6 is filled with such hope and encouragement! I know God can use me during any season! And even when I feel tired, I know He is busy at work growing and strengthening me!


    Blessings, Joan

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  18. Aw, thanks, Mia! With God by my side and the encouragement of my friends and sisters-in-Christ, I feel like I am being hugged each day! Thank you for your kindness!


    Blessings, Joan

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  19. Beautiful! Your scripture reference was perfect! I agree that when we are going through a trial is the perfect time for God to teach us, use us and provide for us in ways we can only imagine. Visiting you from Barbie's Weekend Brew and so glad I found you today.

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  20. One of my favorite verses Joan! Going through pain and sorrow is never easy, but I believe that God allows us to go through trials so that He can comfort us and know the true joy of His peace and assurance during any situation; He has promised us that our suffering is not in vain or without a purpose!


    Sending prayers and blessings dear friend...you are loved!! :)

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  21. I agree, Denise! Though difficult times are not the most pleasant, we can count on God always doing something beautiful through them...some time, some how. It is such a comfort to know we don't walk alone!


    Love, Joan

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  22. Welcome, Mary! Thanks for coming by! As I've been focusing on God during this time, He is showing me things I don't think I would have seen otherwise. He is not wasting this moment in my life and I'm so glad to be being shaped by Him!

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  23. "Then, I read such an encouraging word..." Isn't that wonderful, how He does that, brings to us just the word we need to hear at the most timely moment? Blessings on the tears in which you're sowing, may they water a beautiful crop that will bloom beyond your greatest hopes! I know those tears--and the surprises God can bring out of them!

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  24. That's a great thought...that the tears right now will water a beautiful crop! I know God is showing me so much right now and I'm sure He will use what I'm learning to honor Him! Blessings, Joan

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  25. Oh Joan, I know what it is to plant in tears too! I think we've both had our share of trials. I always try to find the best in each season of my life and know that God is in control. I do my best to listen and obey His Word. And there are days when I simply ask for His guidance moment by moment.


    Sending you a hug today friend.


    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

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  26. I have found encouragement in songs. I thought of this one from the Fireproof movie. http://youtu.be/H-M7oGrOa2I

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  27. Thanks, Tammi! Songs have a way of moving my heart as well! Thank you for sharing this one!


    Blessings, Joan

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  28. Valerie RichardsonFebruary 08, 2014

    Amazing God! He knows right where we are...I love that He even captures our tears in a bottle! "You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?" Psalm 56:8

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  29. I love that Psalm, Valerie! Our tears are precious to Him. He loves us and will never let us go. No matter what we are going through, He will cause it to work for the good, somehow, some time!

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  30. I love Psalm 126. I love that in that psalm the psalmist looks back at what God has done for him & recalls that "The Lord has done great things for me." He then has hope of God doing again for Him. There is such promise in this psalm. I am glad that I stopped here this morning. May you have a blessed Sunday!

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  31. When we remind ourselves how faithful God has been, our faith is strengthened. God has a wonderful plan for our lives and even when we may be going through a difficult time, we have such hope for our future. God is always faithful, loving and wise!


    Blessings, Joan

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  32. This encouraged me this morning, Joan. I, too, have been going through a time of trial. I have seen ways in which God has shown me He's with me and I think that's the joy, despite the sadness. Have a good week! ~ Laura

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  33. So glad you were encouraged, Laura! It is such a comfort to know that God is always working...He never rests. We can count on Him through all things!


    Blessings, Joan

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