The Answer Wasn't 'Yes'

In the middle of a perfectly sweet weekend, there was this disappointment that made its way into my life.  In the light of eternity, it was absolutely a nothing.  But in the here and now, it was a big thing for me.  There was the dream that something important just might unfold.  And I was so ready for it to happen.

     But God said 'no.' 

Or maybe it was 'wait.'  I'm not quite sure.

Bottom line?  God's answer was not the 'yes' I was hoping for.  I shed a few tears and whined {just a bit} as I sifted through the morning's events with my oh-so-long-suffering husband. 

And then Francesca Battistelli shared truth with me last night.  Through a song.  I was reminded again that all things work together for good for those that love God {Romans 8:28}.  And that His ways are so much higher and deeper than anything I can get my hands around {Isaiah 55:8}.

That's because He's God.  And I'm not.

Life happens.  And when we're frustrated, disappointed, or hurt, we always have the power to choose how we will respond.  We can ask Him for a clearer perspective.  Or recall the countless times when He has been faithful, grace-filled, and merciful. We can settle ourselves down and be still and know that He is God {Psalm 46:10}.  And that He is wise enough and strong enough to redeem whatever seems to be hopeless {Joel 2:25-26}.  To use those things to expand our trust in Him and draw us oh-so-closer to His loving heart. 

Or ... 

We can sit in the corner and moan and groan and pout.  We can endlessly wring our hands and allow 'if only,' 'why me,' and other useless mantras to play over and over in our heads.

'This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use

So break me of impatience
Conquer my frustrations
I've got a new appreciation
It's not the end of the world'

Thankfully, my self-absorbed pity party was short lived.  I had to give it all over to Him.  Because in the end, I really do want Him more than I want that specific answer to prayer.

Learning patience, oh-so-slowly ~
Linda