The phone rang. We talked. I hung up. Then cried.
The conversation had not gone well.
My attitude was poor.
My words no better.
But now what?
Weeks ago, no, months ago. . . a year ago?. . . a writer was sitting at a laptop, plunking out words, on a chapter about parenting.
As he wrote, he was not thinking about a mother who, weeks later, no, months later, no, next year, would be sitting on her bed, in small-town Alabama, hanging up the phone, and feeling lost.
But God knew.
I opened up the written book, turned to the page I last read, page 62. Fine.
But page 63 captured me. I cried again. This one was meant for me. How could He have known? At this time, in this place?
God has a heart for hurting parents. Should we be surprised? After all, God himself is a father. What parental emotion has he not felt?
. . . Are you forced to watch while your child suffers? God watched his Son on the cross. Do you find yourself wanting to spare your child from all the hurt in the world? God did. But because of his great love for us, “he did not spare his own Son but gave him for us all. So with Jesus, God will surely give us all things” (Rom 8:32 NCV).
All things. He gives me all things. Including forgiveness when I fail. And peace when I’m anxious. And wisdom when I’m confused.
* * *
God,
You know my heart and my times. Before and after.
You know the very day I need page 63. You breathe it out; you wrap it up; you place it in my hands. On the very day I need it.
My prayer is: I’m AWED. . . at your omniscience, your grace, your love.
You set things in place yesterday for my today. And you’ve already set things in motion today for me to see you tomorrow.
Who else can do that? There is none like you!
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:25-26
* * *
Praying for you to receive your own page 63. . . on the day you need it. Join other pilgrims of prayer at Holy Experience.
I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.
Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?
You are the God who works wonders;
you have made known your might among the peoples.
Psalm 77:12-14
3 comments:
Isn't He wonderful! Although, we shouldn't be surprised, but we are, when He brings just the right words of comfort to our hurting hearts.
Oh, thank you for sharing...I am encouraged today.
I need that read this too. Thanks for sharing with us.
Grace, grace, God's grace. Thanks for testifying.
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