She is at her limit. She knows it. I know it. And she’s wondered whether God knows it. For, rather than catching a break; it’s one new thing after the other. While others have been doing their own thing with no consequences.
It. Just. Hasn’t. Been. Fair.
What do we do when life gets in the way? When we realize that the thread we’re holding on to – the very last thread – is frayed?
We could get a good scream out. Or indulge in a long cry. We definitely can vent. Or become a storm in every one else’s lives. Today’s Holy Nougat offers a different way.
“But he said to me, “My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you.” So I am very happy to brag about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can live in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
Can you see it? Jesus waiting until we are at the end of our rope before intervening. That hardly seems/feels like grace. In fact, it seems like God is unfair. For why else would Jesus wait? Doesn’t Jesus KNOW how the land lies? And what of those prior prayers? If only we could catch a break! Or doesn’t Jesus care about people like us, placing us at the far end of the line for intervention?
Having been in a similar space before, I am now realizing that it could be more about our unwillingness to be still and allowing Jesus to intervene than about God allowing us to get to the end of our rope. For until we can’t do anything else to fix our situations; we often are challenged to give God leeway to actually help.
In other words, it’s a matter of permission – us truly being open to divine assistance without playing Consultant to order God’s steps on how to help us. It’s also about vision – Can we see our situation the way God does? With all the other pieces that contribute to the larger picture? And also see the seeds being germinated in the pain of disappointment or failure? Or the testimony which may impact another? Or the lives which are hanging in the balance until our presence ushers God’s Spirit in their midst?
If we could, then we just might have the patience and presence of mind to recognize that God’s not being mean. It’s the total opposite in fact.
Can I encourage us to hold on one more time? And can I ask you to help me pray for her breakthrough; please?
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
