I had a hard weekend.
As I shared that on my social media on Monday, I realized that I was about to get a wave of “I’m sorrys” from my sweet followers. And while I appreciate the comfort and encouragement and prayers, I wanted to clarify:
A hard weekend doesn’t really mean a bad weekend.
I had to ask myself, “Do I wish it was different?” And I’m not sure the answer’s yes. While I wished that many of the things hadn’t happened, I realized that they were part of life. They’re things I can’t control–heartbreaking news about a friend, frustrating updates about certain bookish things, very little “rest time” with hubby because the weekend was packed with other obligations, no Oreos in my cupboard…
And though it was extremely hard to tackle these things while trying to monitor my emotions and mental health, I realized that I was growing. In a way, I knew this was coming because I had several great weekends in a row. And usually I try to spend those good times digging even deeper into God’s Word to strengthen and prepare myself for the trials ahead.
I’m not saying that when you have good times that means a hard time is on its way. But for me, the past few months I’ve felt God’s hand of preparation over me. Warnings and nudges toward verses and a depth of closeness with my husband that always strengthens my soul.
I knew that I was being prepared. And I was determined to honor that preparation.
I love trials. And I hate trials. But I love them because I always always come out of them closer to God and closer to Mister Ninja (hubby.) There is a goodness in them that is rooted in God’s sovereignty over sin. And His own goodness.
Although this past weekend was hard (and I’m seeing signs of an aftershock in this upcoming weekend), my soul was comforted by a shalom-like peace in Jesus. A peace arising from the knowledge that I am not alone. That He has chosen to grow me and draw me closer to Him. That He offers hope and peace to every single hard situation.
I know I wasn’t alone in this hard weekend. I know several friends who had an equally trying weekend in different ways. And we were able to comfort one another. To come together as siblings in Christ. To share Scripture that was written for this very weekend, these specific events, these exact heartaches.
And I know that many of you had a hard weekend. Some of you can’t remember the last “rest” weekend that you had. So allow me to leave you with these:
The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still. Exodus 14:14
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Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
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We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5
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For it is You who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness. Psalm 18:28
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These verses and this song have been in my head the past couple days. I hope they encourage and lift you up as much as they’ve done for me.
When was your last hard day?
How can I pray for you with this upcoming weekend and the rest of the week?
Amen, Nadine! This is something I have to remind myself over and over–hard doesn’t have to mean bad, it can mean growing in trust and perseverance and patience and love…and so on. It can be an opportunity to choose to trust God rather than complain. Definitely something I need some growth in. 🙂
When was my last hard day…I don’t know exactly, but I can think of one that was two Saturdays ago. That was the day I submitted my three week’s notice at my job and it was a hard day because of that (my boss took it well but it was hard on me to do it!), but then it was just an insanely stressful day at work on top of that. So yeah. Fun times. But it helped me realize I made the right decision, that it was time for me to step out of the working world for a little while and live life again outside of just school and work.
So if you would, pray for me, that I would work these last days well and leave a last impression worthy of my King. 🙂
Those big steps are such hard ones to take. I’m so proud of you for making the decision that was right for you. I know I didn’t respond to this right away, but I did pray. <3 Any updates?
I’m totally praying for you Nadine!! Thats the funny thing about God, huh? He always fights are battles for us even when we try to wrench the reins from his hands. His plan is good. And that promise has been in my head for a long time now.
A couple months ago, I overheard something about my pastor leaving from his wife talking to my mom. I immediately ran to my room and started yelling at God. Immature, yes, but in the past year or so, God has used this pastor to change me in immense ways. Alas, those rumors were true and this Sunday is his last. I’ve been a wreck about it cuz I HATE goodbyes and I’ve been saying,more than I ever want to. Worst part is, I didnt know I had a concert I am playing in this Sunday, eliminating the chance of an actual good goodbye. It’s been sooooo hard for me, and I’m trying to remember that God has a plan for my pastor’s family as they take His word across the country, and that God’s plan is good for our church….but it’s hard.
Thank you for the prayers–I certainly felt them!
I’m so sorry to hear about your pastor leaving. I can’t imagine how hard that is for you and I am praying for you and his family as God uses both of you for His kingdom. <3 I know I didn't respond right away, but I did pray. How did the concert go? How was this past Sunday for you? How are you doing? <3 <3 <3
I can’t tell you how many times over the past few years I’ve prayed to God saying, I know the hard times are how we grow but I wish we didn’t need them. (And I look forward to the day when we no longer will need them!) Jeremiah 29:11 got me through – I even got the big wall decal and made it the centerpiece of our living room. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 is a huge encouragement to me, too! What a beautiful reminder. <3
Amen and amen. Praying for you, Nadine. 🙂
Aww thank you, Faith. <3
Great timing for your encouraging thoughts! I’ve had health struggles lately and received more bad news yesterday. Thanks for shining God’s love into my life! It brightened my morning … I think I just absorbed a little of your shalom-like peace 🙂
This is such a beautiful comment to read! <3 Praise the Lord for that shalom-like peace. I will continue to pray for your health struggles and your emotional and spiritual strength through these hard times and bad news. *hugs*
lovely post, nadine. a great reminder for all of us to trust in God
Thank you, Jenna. We all need these reminders sometimes–at least I know I do!
May the Lord encourage you, strengthen you, and pour His peace that passes all understanding over you. In Jesus’ name, Amen! <3
Thank you, sweet friend. <3
Beautifully written, Nadine. Often it is the trials God brings our way that grow us into the people He would have us to be. 🙂 I’m praying for you my friend!
Exactly! “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience/perseverance.” (James 1) Thank you for your prayers. <3
I hear you, Nadine. This coming season I’m stepping into is SO HARD. Also, to be honest, it’s terrifying. But how awesome to know that even through the trials- no. I wonder if it is ESPECIALLY in the trials, GOD MOVES. He moves in us and around us. I’m shaking and uncertain about what’s ahead- but I’m fighting to focus on my certain, faithful Father.
I’ve been holding Mark 4:35-41 close these past two weeks. Storms are coming, but I want to always remember Who is in the boat with me.
May the storms we are going through bring us to new shores. ^^ His goodness WILL take us through to it…
Thank you for the encouragement this morning. ^^
That verse is such an encouragement. Thank you for sharing.
I’m praying for you, dear one. <3
Thank you, Nadine. I really appreciate it. More than you know. ^^
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