Really, What ARE the Best of Times?

What ARE The Best of Times?

There are many times throught out life, marriage, career and ministry where one believes they are in the best of time. There are other times that an individual is striving for that time in their life, marriage, career, ministry or other.

I took some time to step back and look at these aspects of my life recently and I can truly say that I am in the best of times!

Not because everything is perfect. Not because I am in that place I want to be ultimately. Not because I have become the perfect wife, mother, or Christian. And not because I have achieved a certain position in ministry.

Well why do you say dat you're in de Best of Times?

Here are the reasons:

1. Stretching

It's a time of being stretched. Being in a place of commitment that is a little beyond what I think I can accomplish is actually a good place. When I'm in a place where I am choosing to do things that I have confidence in myself to complete, I don't think that's actually enough. There's n number of things I can do in my own strength but there's 10 times n that I can do in His strength. During this season in my life there are some choices I've had to make and some responsibilities that I have accepted that are stretching me beyond my natural capabilities.

That's a really good place to be! It will not be pretty, but it will force me to depend on the Holy Spirit and not myself.

2. Growing

It's a time of growth. First, as it pertains to my knowledge of the Lord and the Word; and secondly as it pertains to my knowledge and understanding of covenant marriage.

After a season four and a half years ago, where there was an abundance of time available to spend reading and studying the Bible individually, in corporate settings, or in small groups, I came to the season I am now in, where many more home demands are required. During this season it is actually an aspect of my growth as an individual to seek out ways to continue a form of study that can be accomplished even in this busy-working-mothering season. I'm learning more of the value of accountability and appreciate the courses that I am taking through CTI (School of Ministry) to provide this for me.

In marriage, because we have gone through and are still somewhat going through, a period of tremendous transition, there are countless opportunities for growth. I heard someone say that marriage is not designed to make us happy, but is designed to make us holy. So because of that refining process, it would not be wise of me to trip out when circumstances present themselves that are not pleasing me. What should I do? Line that emotion up with the Word and how it applies specifically to that which I am feeling. It's hardly related to what my husband has done or the amount of stress that this situation has placed upon me that I think is about to make me break. It's all about what the Lord wants me to do at that moment with that emotion I am feeling. What's my output going to be from that? Is it going to be a good fruit ..... of the Spirit......or a stinky, rotten spoiled fruit that's only going to make me sick?

That's the type of growing that's going on in me right now. But why you gotta be all deep? It's either deep or shallow and flaky. But I have to choose. And I hope more and more often I will choose the deep.

It's been one of the most challenging seasons for both of us but this 7th year has been absolutely the best year! Because of this type of growh and stretching. Making U-Turns and Knowing Who We're Truly Dealing With. Not the ugly that sometimes rises up when attacks ensue, but knowing the heart of who we married, and what (and Who) is at the heart of the Covenant we've made.

3. Faith Fueling

This has been a faith fueling time. Mostly because of what we see around us. It's exciting and faith fueling to see what is being done in the lives of others around us that we know and love, and the body of believers we love and serve. So many things have been prophesied over Covenant Church, the family we are sown into. From multiplication, to elevation, to territory enlargement! There are individual things we see in those we know which would be too many to name. That fuels my faith! Not to mention the step by step revelations the Father has made to us, each time we step out on something that doesn't make a lot of sense at the onset.

So I'm just ready! Ready to step out more. Ready to see more that's being done in others. Beyond what can be done to bless me and my household, I'm excited to see what will be done in those around me as well!

I need to ask myself from time to time, before I begin to label the "time" I am in.   Questions to ask myself: a.Are you comfortable in what you're doing with your gifts and talents, it may be time to stretch myself.  b. Are you stagnant in your growth, it may be a time to readjust some things so I can get in a place to learn more.  And know that that may also invlove some difficult journeys.  c. Are you discouraged or doubtful about your future, I may need to look around and see some of the things the Lord is doing around me and let that fuel my own faith for what He'll do in and through me!

The Best of Times. Is it all it's cracked up to be? It's that and it's more! It may take some going "toe to toe" but after the big dance there is a graceful bow. Not in our own honor. But in honor of the one Who is making it all happen!