Sometimes we might be tempted to think that God is not answering or prayers, or that He is answering them the opposite of what we asked. But that is the time we might need to step back and look at the whole picture from a different viewpoint.
God is writing the story, and we may be in the midst of a very difficult chapter, but the story is not yet finished. That is why we need to have the eye of faith to hope for a better outcome. When the disciples were watching the crucifixion, they felt lost and disappointed. But God had already planned the resurrection and victory was coming just three days out.
We have to remember that recurring theme of death and resurrection that God loves to weave into His stories. This is why the psalmist can fear no evil in the valley of the shadow of death. This is why we can expect God to work all things for good, even those things that look (from our perspective) hopelessly tangled. Faith is not what we see, but what we don’t see. Faith remembers the Author and Finisher of our faith. Faith looks forward to the resurrection.
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Listening to a sermon on Ruth today drove this point home for me. Thanks for the reinforcement and encouragement!
Our heavenly Father knew this is what I needed today. I’ll be rereading this one. Thank you, Mrs. Wilson.
Such an important reminder! Thank you.
“I know no sweeter way to Heaven than free grace and hard trials together.â€
Samuel Rutherford
Wow! This post was very timely, thank you!
Amen!
After reading this blog entry, I was reminded of John 12:24. It says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” Faith will trust that fruit will be born even from the things death has touched. The paradox is difficult to understand, but then again, faith is all about the object in whom we trust. And in the Christian’s case, that great object of our affection and faith is the true and
living God – One Who is merciful, compassionate, good, faithful, loving, just, eternal, omniscient, omnipresent, holy, and righteous in all His ways. Look up faith! Yes, look up! Don’t fret, don’t fear! Behold the wondrous God of your salvation and trust Him with all your cares!
You and God knew I needed this, right now, this hour.