Times

Times                                                            


Often, when I am troubled or afraid, I have said to myself, “My times are in God’s hands.” Being reminded of that truth has brought peace to my spirit more times than I can count. 


Here’s why: 


David experienced many trials. As a man after God’s own heart, he often wrote psalms expressing his heart and his trust in God. A passage especially meaningful to me is Psalm 31. 


Let’s look at a few verses from the middle of that chapter. 


“But as for me, I trust You O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me. Make Your face shine upon Your servant. Save me for your mercies’ sake” (Psalm 31:14-16).


“Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!


“You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues” (Psalm 31:19-20). 


David is speaking of himself as well as others—others like me—those of us who trust the Lord and fear God. 


The word times describes “some period of time … a small space of time,” * or a season of life.  


As a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, I can be confident that my times are in God’s hands. The various times of my life—my childhood, my childrearing years, my years of teaching school, and now my years of grandparenting and, oh dear—aging—have been, are, and will be in God’s hands. 


Through past seasons of my life I have built a history with God. I’ve learned that He is trustworthy. When a moment or an event of fear or uncertainty tries to smack me down, I can look up and say with confidence, “Lord, my times are in Your hands.”  

Photo by Connie Wohlford

The times we currently live in are a bit surreal. As we deal with the Coronavirus Pandemic, we can wisely go about our days with care and we can raise our shield of faith and declare that our times are God’s hands.


Whether facing a virus pandemic or some other life malady lets proclaim it with confidence, “My times are in God’s hand.”


Let’s pray: Father God, thank You that we can stand firm on Your Word and Your promises. You know our going out and our coming in. You number every hair on each of our heads. You see each of us and know our names. You see our thoughts and know all that is in our hearts and You care about every little thing that concerns us. Thank You, God, that indeed our times are in Your hand. In Jesus name we pray, amen. 



©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

All Bible quotes are taken from the New King James Version.

*Word Wealth, in Spirit Filled Life Bible, NKJV, Thomas Nelson Publishers, page 1003.

Each one did his part.

Each one did his part.                               



“Give it all you’ve got,” were the words of Coach Heather just before her boy’s relay team walked to the starting block mounted above the pool. She didn’t tell them that the results of their race could push their school’s team into the number one spot for the championship—or that it could keep them in second place. The boys were unaware of the updated point calculation.


The outcome of the Boys Class Two VHSL (Virginia High School League) State Championship is about points—not so much about the number of 1^st place metals. The Radford Boys Swimming and Diving team had won only one first place metal during the entire meet. But along the way their swimmers and divers had individually accrued points—32 points here, 9 points there, 1 point yonder, and so on. Competitors are awarded points according to where they finish in the top spots in each race of the finals. The points add up and EVERY POINT COUNTS. 


Naturally, everyone wants to win their race but only one person gets that first-place metal. Coach Wohlford, known as “Major” by his swimmers and students, is a numbers man. Throughout the season he emphasized, “You may not win your race but swim your best every time. You may still win points for the team.”

The definition of team is “a group of individuals working together to achieve their goal. Teams normally have members with complementary skills and generate synergy through a coordinated effort which allows each member to maximize their strengths and minimize their weaknesses.” *

It was the final race of the day. The four Radford Bobcats on the relay team approached the starting block not knowing the point count showed them trailing their main competitor by three points. 


The blast sounded and eight swimmers, one from each team, dove into the water. Back and forth across the pool—each of the four boys from each team swam his assigned stroke—for a total of eight laps, fifty yards apiece. 


In the last twenty-five yards of the very last lap an amazing thing happened. Seemingly from nowhere, in the far lane, a swimmer raced past the one from the school sitting in the number one spot. 


Our boys did not win the race but landed in second place. Our top competitor landed in fifth place. Points were awarded and the overall top two teams switched places, putting our team at the top. The Radford Bobcat boys won the Class Two State Championship by one point!


Every point counts! Every effort by every team member is important and each one did his part!


In life, every time we do the right thing counts. Every time we obey God and honor Him with our thoughts, words, and actions counts. We don’t always come in first place. Some may never come in first place. But our efforts and accomplishments for the Kingdom of God are cumulative. Some till the soil, some plant seeds; some water; and some reap the harvest. It is God who makes it grow. (1 Corinthians 3:6-8)  

Photo from Unsplash, by Elizabeth Lies

Let’s each do our part every time. Every right decision, good deed, kind remark, smile, holding of the tongue, and positive witness, counts in the economy of God. He is ultimately responsible for the results. Besides that, He is the rewarder of prizes. (Hebrews 11:6) 

Radford Bobcat Swimming & Diving Boys Team - Class 2 State Champs 

When we attempt to share the Gospel with someone but are shut down, we shouldn’t be discouraged. Sure, it’s disappointing. We want others, especially those we love, to be the recipients of God’s abundant life and most of all, His gift of Eternal Life. We can continue to pray for them and trust the Holy Spirit to soften their hearts. 
Also, we can trust God to send another person to water the seed we’ve sown. It might need to be watered several times, as well as its soil tilled, and Sonshine radiated on it. 


Let’s each one do our part. 

And PS: I must tell you that Coach Wohlford is our son and two of the swimmers are our grandsons. (I need to clarify that our grandsons were not in that specific relay foursome in this story, but in another one.)

*Wikipedia online dictionary

©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

Contentment in Material Things Yields Happiness: 21 Benefits

Contentment in Material Things Yields Happiness: 21 Benefits                                                           

The first murder ever to be committed in the history of Mankind occurred because of jealousy. Interestingly, the meaning of the murder’s name was, “to acquire/to get.” 

That man was Cain, the firstborn son of Adam and Eve. He killed his brother, Abel, because of jealousy over Abel’s good standing with God. Before committing his evil act, God saw Cain’s envious heart and offered to forgive and restore him. But Cain was so enraged he rejected God’s mercy and wisdom and slaughtered his brother. You can read this entire account in Genesis 4:1-17.

Cain’s life is an example of jealousy to the extreme. We can apply his story to man’s desire to acquire material things and the jealousy which often results from not having something our neighbor has or something the lovely smiling person in the advertisement is enjoying.  

By Connie Wohlford

Sadly, too many people’s lives are defined by the feverish acquisition of things. They simply cannot be content with having basic needs met along with a few frills added in just for fun. 

In today’s culture, it appears that many people have a problem with differentiating between needs and wants. 

Needs consist of things required to maintain life—food, water, clothing and shelter. Granted, in order to maintain needs a job is required which may call for transportation, tools, a phone, and possibly a computer. But even these necessities don’t have to be top of the line or excessive.

Wants consist of things we desire to have but are not necessary to maintain life. When shopping, I often ask myself, “Can I live without this item?” If the answer is, “Yes,” I will often not make the purchase. This has saved me from spending many dollars on things which, in the grand scheme of things, would have been unwise use of my money. 

The Bible gives wise counsel on the subject: “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:6-11 NKJV).

Consider the immense truth of verse 6, that “godliness with contentment is great gain.”

Godliness is sincere faith in and devotion to God. Contentment is being in a state of fulfillment and satisfaction despite circumstances. Put these two attributes together and you find a person who trusts God in all matters, is continually joyful, and takes adversity in stride. This person’s countenance is always pleasant. They don’t complain and are desirable to be around. This person is a giver, not a taker. I want this person for my friend. Though I often fall short, I want to be this person. 

This is a powerful person. The “great gain” Paul refers to will have no limit in benefits. To name a few, this person will: 

1.     have more peace of mind.

2.     acquire wealth instead if debt.

3.     not be a slave to the lender (Proverbs 22:7).

4.     be free from the bondage of interests cutting into their resources.

5.     not be jealous of others over material things (Exodus 20:17).

6.     have fewer arguments with their spouse over finances.

7.     set a good example for their children and others.

8.     have fewer disagreements about money with their children.

9.     have money available to help others in need.

10. have money to give to the building of God’s Eternal Kingdom.

11. stress less.

12. be healthier because of less stress.

13. be more pleasant to be around.

14. not be given to complaining or criticism.

15. be more desirable as a friend.

16. be more desirable as a lifelong mate.

17. be less likely to take on a victim mentality.

18. spend less time and frustration shopping, returning, maintaining, and dealing with material things.

19. build strength of character in the ability to say, “no.”

20. not stray from the faith in greediness (v10).

21. be less likely to fall into the snare of the temptation of foolish and harmful lusts which drown man in destruction and perdition (damnation) (v9).

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This list of benefits of godliness with contentment could continue on and on. What are others you can think of? 

The Apostle Paul, who overcame many trials, wrote: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11b-13 NIV). Paul was in jail when he wrote these words.

Paul gave credit to God for giving him strength to do all things. We too can do all things God calls us to and we can avoid doing all things he calls us to not do. God calls us to be content and with the help of His Spirit in us, we can do this. 

Like Paul, we can be content in all circumstances because we can trust God to meet our needs and to never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5).

The Mighty One—the Lord our God—is all powerful and bestows power on His children. Because of Him we can be content and have, in ourselves, the power of contentment.

Let’s pray: Holy Father, I know You are all powerful, that You love me with unfailing love, and that You want what’s best for me in all situations. Please help me to know the difference between my needs and my wants and to trust You for the necessities in my life. Help me to be like Paul and be content in all circumstances. I praise You and thank You, in Jesus name—Amen.  

©Copyright 2018 Connie Wohlford

Mix the Word with Faith and Trust God - Part 1 of 3

Mix the Word with Faith and Trust God <> Part 1

Don’t forget to trust God!

“But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You” (Psalm 5:11a).

We hear it said, “Trust God.”   <><>  YES—that’s excellent advice.

I would like to suggest, “Mix the Word with Faith—Then Trust God.”

“For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it” (Hebrews 4:2 KJV).

In other words—They heard the Word preached but it did not benefit them because they didn’t mix it with faith. So, when we mix the Word of God with our faith we have the wherewithal to trust God. And we can be assured the Holy Spirit in us is powerfully blending it all together to give us peace all we need to truly trust. 

When was the last time you HAD to trust God? I mean really trust Him.

I wanted to say, “When was the last time you were forced to trust God?”

Though it may have felt like you were forced, we’re never really forced. We have a choice. 

Trusting God is a choice—in any situation. Have you needed to trust God for something today—this very day?  Think about that for a moment.

Thinking back to one of my own experiences in trusting God was when our son, Shannon, who was eleven at the time, had a head injury in a bicycle accident.

I know—I know. You’re thinking, “Why wasn’t he wearing a helmet?” This was back before helmets were required. At that time only big-time bike athletes wore helmets. So don’t judge me.  😊

Anyway, the ER doc said he had temporary amnesia.

AMNESIA! That word will stop you in your tracks—especially when it’s in regard to your child’s head injury. But the word that meant the world to me was, temporary.

I remember, clearly, sitting by Shannon’s bed, hour after hour, hoping Dr. Cook meant it when he said temporary. Fear rushed through me as I considered the possibility that Dr. Cook may have said that just to comfort me in the hopes that it really would be temporary.

So, I sat there alone, hour after hour. My husband was in Michigan for a week-long business trip. My parents were at work and our younger son was with a neighbor who offered to tend him until my mom got home. 

I knew, though, that I wasn’t alone. I was well aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence. 

When fear rose up and wanted to overtake me, I realized that I had a decision to make. I heard a voice in my spirit (not an audible voice). It said, “Okay, Connie, what are you going to do? Are you going to trust God—or fall apart?”

I knew my God. And I had enough of God’s Word in me to know He was trustworthy. I decided to trust God.

What I did was mix the Word with faith and trust God.

Though this was many years ago, I remember sitting there, nodding my head and telling God, “I’m going to trust You. I know Shannon will be fine. I believe Dr. Cook is right—that this amnesia is only temporary.”

So, I kept vigil at Shannon’s bedside answering his same questions over and over in between his periods of sleep. Every few minutes he asked:

“What day is today?”

“Did I miss Neil’s birthday party?”

“Who is my girlfriend?”

I patiently answered him each time as we went through the series of questions, and I would thank God that I could trust Him that Shannon would be fine. 

I had stopped asking Dr. Cook, “How much longer?” because I knew his answer would again be, “I don’t know.”   

Instead, I would pray, “God, You know and that’s what counts.”

Occasionally, I would wipe a tear from my eye and say, “God, I trust You.”

There are a lot of things in life that are completely out of our hands. 

Are you a control freak? We often want to control people. And we often want to control situations to the point it can drive us crazy. It’s amazing the stress relief we can achieve when turn a person or situation over to God and just trust Him.

Think about how frustrating it is when people won’t do what we think they should do. In just a few weeks, my husband and I will have been married for 48 years. 

A long time ago, when I learned that I cannot and should not try to make him to do what I think he should do, a huge burden was lifted from me. My maturing in that area possibly saved our marriage. 

Besides that, I am not to take responsibility for his actions. 

I put him in God’s hands. Instead of talking to him about what I think should happen, I talk to God. 

That’s not to say that Guy and I don’t talk. Certainly, we do. But I don’t keep repeating things and trying to convince him, hoping to manipulate the situation. I speak my mind to Guy and to God. Then I trust God. God always knows what’s best.

Sometimes things go my way and sometimes they don’t. But I’m letting the ultimate result be God’s. If Guy and I mess up, I know God will help us straighten things out.

We can do this in all relationships. God knows more than we do. He knows every minute detail of every thing and every one. He knows what the outcome should be. He’s trustworthy.

When an outcome seems to be not what is best, due to human error or weakness, sin, rebellion, or whatever— God’s not shocked. He doesn’t fall apart. He stands ready to forgive and turn what Satan meant for evil into something He can bring good out of. God’s like that. He’s trustworthy.

Trusting God is about having faith in God and we know that without faith it’s impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6).

The Bible teaches us how to trust and why we can trust God. We need to Mix the Word with Faith, make every effort to follow God’s leading and do things God’s way, and trust the results to Him. He’s always trustworthy. 

In Part 2 of this series, we’ll look at a woman in the Bible who trusted God. Her life and the lives of her family depended on it. I hope you’ll check back in.  

Please share about a time you needed to trust God. Your comments are welcome.

©Copyright 2018 Connie Wohlford