I inwardly giggle when my kids complain about the toughness of life, or when they take issue with the fact that sometimes I let things be hard. I giggle because they have no idea really of all the “hard” I spare them.
I was thinking about it more tonight. How things are like that between me, and God. Sometimes I grumble and complain about the toughness of life, and I feel upset that God allows some things to be hard. I have no idea, really, about all the hardness He spares me from. Maybe the virus he flicked away at the grocery store, as it approached my nostril haha or maybe that car crash I didn’t even know I avoided because God made the ice extra thick on my windshield so it took longer to scrape. Maybe the addiction He knew I’d fall prey to, so He prevented me from ever being tempted by it.
We can say “why, God, why” about the hard stuff, while really having no idea of the numerous rescues. We even take credit upon ourselves for things like a clean driving record or an addiction-free life. Personally, for me, the more I live, the more I see I am nothing, and have nothing, without the grace of the Lord working in me, around me, and for me.
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
I trust that God is for me, not against me. And for anyone who has read this far … God is for YOU, too. Join me in this prayer -- 'Lord, show me the times where You've rescued me, and I didn't even realize it. Show me the times when You've carried me, and I haven't thanked You. Show me where You've been, when I thought I was alone. Thank you, Lord, that I can trust your plans are good ones. Amen.'
