Any story worth telling almost always includes some bad news somewhere. We like to hear how someone overcame an imposing obstacle or defeated a seemingly superior enemy.
Without the obstacle or enemy, it’s not a tale, it’s just the minutes of a day in the life of some stranger. It may be interesting, but it’s more likely to be boring.
In Aesop’s Fables, the stories also have a lesson to learn from the obstacles and enemies presented and overcome. Like the cat in “The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse” teaching the mice that peace is better than riches.
Today’s verse makes me think about how God often uses obstacles in our lives to teach us about His love and to encourage us to grow and trust Him more fully.
At one point in my life, I had lost my job. My rent was rapidly eroding my savings so I prayed for a new job. Every day I prayed, but God seemed to keep that door closed. I had been a workaholic, and He said I wasn’t ready yet. So I trusted Him. I waited and watched for jobs and prayed.
Then He showed me His perfect provision. Instead of a job popping up, a new living situation popped up. He provided a friend who needed a house sitter. I wouldn’t have to pay any rent for two years and could live comfortably in a house instead of my dumpy little apartment.
God likes me to have a good story to tell about Him. Without any obstacles, I won’t have one.
So just because God doesn’t answer my prayers the way I want or in my timeframe doesn’t mean He isn’t providing His best for me. He always is. His power is made perfect in my weakness.
Dear God,
Thank you for the ways you have shown me your wisdom, love, and power when I trusted you during times of difficulty and confusion. Remind me that obstacles and enemies are simply tools for you to use in my life. Give me the courage to wait for you to use them.
CamDevo 