Originally published Wednesday, 06 February 2013.
“Praise God! Mara, He kept you here for a reason. You might not understand what it is yet, but God will reveal it in His timing,” said the pastor’s wife as I walked into church only a week after surviving a motorcycle accident 9 years ago. At the time, I was still medicated for my injuries and using a walking cane, but I remember her words loud and clear.
A few years went by and my health continued on a rollercoaster of unanswered questions and frustrating symptoms. There was a moment when I stared at the sky with bitterness and shouted at God... "WHY did you keep me here to go through this?"
Moments after questioning the Lord, I was hit with immediate guilt. If we listen hard enough, you might hear what God is saying. I remember hearing it so clearly.... "Wait."
Wait for what? I thought in frustration. Come on, I’m ready to know right now!
In my early Christian years, these questions and demands didn’t seem so out of place. As my faith has grown I can understand that God’s divine calling on my life was only meant to be revealed in His timing. Though I have only seen glimpses into His purpose, I know that He has amazing plans ahead.
The Lord was teaching me patience. Colossian 1:10-12 says, "We pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father.." (NIV)
Faith needs to grow and be nurtured. At the time that I shouted at God in frustration, my faith was very small. It takes time and obedience to grow in God’s Word. As the Lord shapes us, our small seed of faith grows a little bigger.
As the pastor's wife said, we don't always understand but God will reveal it in His timing. With every joy, pain, and sorrow we are able to fulfill God’s purpose for us one day at a time.
Romans 12:12, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." (NIV)
Today... reflect on moments that God has granted His mercy and grace. Lift up a prayer for understanding and peace. Be patient with yourself. The Lord will guide you in all His ways... always.
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