Rachel Whisman

Spring has sprung here in Texas. The winter blues have melted away and in their place, beautiful bluebonnets have emerged. Walking along my street, my gaze is captivated by the various hues of wildflowers garnishing the grass and the crisp green leaves making their spring debut on barren trees. This change of scenery is nonetheless as refreshing as the sun’s warmth. 

Resonating with this as I walked, I reflected on how recently the Lord answered a prayer request that I had been asking for a long time. The joy and freedom that came with it being answered was as if it were a new season in my life that echoed what I was observing around me. The waiting was in itself a trial. Trials come, and some might stay longer than others. The suffering may linger and be as bleak as winter. Yet in God’s wisdom, He leads us through them, is with us in them, and can deliver us from them into an open field or pasture. His grace is just as sufficient in the trial as it is outside of it. 

Being outside of it, I noticed the ease of life allowed me to be more relaxed and so was my grip. By His grace, I trusted Him more because the truth of His word collided with the experience I was going through. His promises were a tangible reality. After being away from the trial and it growing distant, it is tempting for our souls to look back on what happened. To return to the habits that once kept us company. For our thoughts to return to the old ruts that nursed our anxieties. Endurance is not just needed in difficult times but also in the pastures where the sun is shining and all seems fair. To put into remembrance His faithfulness and enduring character. Yet, I notice the leading of His hand more and the recognition that He is worth following rather than tugging back in restraint to do my will. 

Trials expose how needy, helpless, and dependent we are on the Lord. That does not change when it is over. We are just as much in need of His sufficiency when the new morning mercies come at daybreak. Just as much in need of His word to renew our minds even if we are enjoying the bliss. The hand that helped me as I walked through the trial, was the same hand that led me out of it, and it is just as worthy to hold in the pastures of life. He won’t let go of those who are His (John 10:14-17). His grip is stronger than our will, trials, and trepidations of our hearts. 

Admiring the changes in front of me as I ended my walk outside, Isaiah 40:8, was brought to mind, “The grass withers, the flower fades,
but the word of our God will stand forever.” His promises will endure. He will keep us. His hands will hold us no matter where He leads us and no greater comfort have I experienced than walking with Him hand in hand.

“My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.”

-Psalm 63:8