In Every Season

Dear Friends,

When I was around 9 years old my father passed away. It was a pivotal moment in my life, I have to admit it was life changing. My family members will tell you I have a pretty good memory when it comes to things that have happened, but that’s not one of them. I just remember the pain and the hurt, and all the people who were staring, and a few crazy moments in between. Life looked different after that. I was a home school student and all of a sudden I was in school and my family kind of disconnected from each other and God. It is easy to do and almost 100% likely for people to think of things as the worse or the end, I know I did. And at some point the grief went away and the pain wasn’t as bad, but the purpose of family was still missing. The questions of “why this” or “why me” where still there.

It wasn’t until last year in BWV that I finally got the answer from God. We were in the middle of a discussion and the question came up “Why would God do bad things?” And I suddenly heard it, "There was purpose to my fathers death." If my dad had not died, people would not be able to hear the testimony from, his death. Being able to share with others the story of healing from grief, and hearing them say that it encouraged them or helped lead them to faith, that’s what makes it worth it. My mom would not have walked into ministry full time if he had not died, and now her testimony has been able to lead others to Christ. It’s hard sometimes, but I just have to remember why, God has a plan and a purpose.

It's not always gonna be easy, and sometimes in the the thick of things, it’s gonna seem horrible and like it’s the end. It may take time to realize the why, it took me five years, it may take others longer or shorter. But I just want to encourage you to remember God has a purpose and plan in every hard season that takes place.

Love y'all,

Josiah