The Inward Journey

By Douglas B. Clark

“To everything — a season, and a time to every delight under the heavens: A time to bring forth, And a time to die. A time to plant, And a time to eradicate the planted. A time to slay, And a time to heal, A time to break down, And a time to build up. A time to weep, And a time to laugh. A time to mourn, And a time to skip. A time to cast away stones, And a time to heap up stones. A time to embrace, And a time to be far from embracing. A time to seek, And a time to destroy. A time to keep, And a time to cast away. A time to rend, And a time to sew. A time to be silent, And a time to speak. A time to love, And a time to hate. A time of war, And a time of peace. What advantage hath the doer in that which he is labouring at?
I HAVE SEEN THE TRAVAIL THAT GOD HATH GIVEN TO THE SONS OF MAN TO BE HUMBLED BY IT” Ecc. 3: 1-10. Young’s Literal Translation.

On more than one occasion I have had trouble seeing how the season I was in could possibly serve the purposes of God. Most recently it was a season learning to be content without the blessing of steady work. It is interesting to me the things that lie dormant in us until we are faced with the right set of circumstances that bring them to the surface. In my mind I had a false expectation of God’s provision, based on my faithfulness to Him. Instead of learning to be content in whatever state I was in I had expectations regarding what I perceived to be God’s role and what I thought was my role. These expectations led to severe travail that in turn brought about utter humility. While in this season it was difficult to do anything but focus on my situation. I have found though that God has a way of directing our attention away from our difficult situations and back to Him. With the passage of time I found out there was nothing I could do to move the hands of God on my behalf. I have learned there is to be no partnership, but only my will conformed to His.
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It was more than thirty years ago that I read a series of articles by George Hawtin in publication called The Page. I was still a babe in Christ and the idea of God having a purpose and plan for creation was just beginning to unfold within me. There were truths that I felt in my spirit, yet was unable to articulate. I thank God that out of each generation He raises up those who are able to express what He is doing in His people. Douglas B. Clark

According To The Purpose By George Hawtin

“And this is in harmony with God’s merciful purpose for the government of the world when the times are ripe for it-The purpose which He has cherished in His own mind of restoring the whole creation to find its one head in Christ; yes, things in heaven and things on earth, to find their one head in Him.” - Eph. 1:9,10. (Weymouth).

Long before there was a world or any man, God, almighty and all wise, planned every detail of the whole creation from start to finish. He not only planned each detail of the earth itself but with infinite wisdom He planned your life and mine before the foundations of the earth were laid. 2 Tim. 1:9. He planned the moment and place of your birth, the circumstances that were to prevail throughout your life, your down-sittings and up-risings, the trials and tribulations, the joys and sorrows that were to have their part in shaping you according to His purpose. He knows the appointed times and how many ages He will spend to bring you to the perfection He planned for you before the world began. I am perfectly aware that this is NOT church tradition. This is not what we were taught from our youth nor is this commonly accepted doctrine, but I affirm that this is truth according to the Word of God, and it is also according to the true longing of your own spirit within you.
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