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EN(dur)ANCE by Robin Gudal

“We don’t ‘get over’ or ‘move on’ from sorrow, hurt and trauma. We are forced to make space for it. We carry it. We learn to live with it. We can even thrive in spite of it.” — Unknown
Today as I type I am in a day of reflection. It’s my funk day, as they say in season five of Gilmore Girls.

I sit in celebration of what has become. I chose to embrace really hard days a handful of years ago because it reminds me not only of the sorrow and sadness I experienced, but my personal growth, my determination and the decision to lean into Jesus in all circumstances.

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” — Isaiah 60:1, NIV

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” — Hebrews 13:8, NIV

My devotion today is about the desert, which I’ve only physically visited for a short time. I’m a girl that loves her four seasons.

“The desert is not a season; spring is not on its way. At least, it doesn’t appear to be. Some of us are on a right-now journey that feels like a continual longing, continual thirst and endless need.

It feels like wandering in the wilderness. … God was after their hearts. Their trust. Their belief. Their faith. Our obedience as a result. The desert proved to be a powerful place of purpose for God’s people.

Do you remember how he provided for them in the desert, even when they grumbled and complained? God provided for them daily, with manna and quail to eat, clean water and his protection and guidance. But notice that his provision was meant to lead them to dependence and awareness of his presence. It was meant to bring them to greater trust in God instead of their own resources. … The desert may be unwanted, but it is purposeful!” — “Now and Not Yet,” Ruth Chou Simmons

“Often, our problem following Jesus is we’re trying to be a better version of us, rather than a more accurate reflection of him.” — Bob Goff

So, I sit in “what was” and celebrate “what has become.” If you are amid such a season, lean into Jesus. If you remember, as I do, a hard season or day, allow his presence in your life and embrace him!

God is so much bigger than your hurt, your mistakes, your fears, your past, your regrets, your worries, your pain, your shame, your doubt, your sorrow, your longings and your losses. Let him in to be your comfort.

For those we love going through the desert season, let us take this advice from Ullie Kaye’s poem in “Words:”

“When there are no words to say at all, you don’t need to try and find some. Love speaks in silence too.”

Robin (Beckman) Gudal is intentional in life, a wife, momma, nana, friend and a flawed and imperfect follower of Jesus.