'May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.'
– – Romans 15:13
It amazes me how I can still, at my ripe old age, learn!
Sometimes I think we get to the point where we feel like we have had every experience, learned every fine point, and explored every possibility that was ever available in our limited lifetimes. But upon reflection, I think God thinks very differently than I do!
For instance, a couple of weeks ago I had to once again deal with my husband deserting me for a whole week. Yes, can you even imagine that? He chose to go to a far away country rather than spend the week with me. Well, I guess I should be fair since he was on a mission trip to Guatemala. He didn't go just to get away from me!.And even though I did have the privilege of controlling the TV remote, there was a distinct sense of something 'missing' in our home. Even the dogs noticed it. And while my friends from Ohio came to visit with me for most of that week, that sense was still with me.
I can be selfish at times. However, once I've cooled down, and repented, and said my 'I'm sorry's' to whoever may have witnessed my breakdown, I can see that God has once again surprised me with some tidbit of knowledge or insight that had previously escaped me. And that is awesome in itself.
So here I was, feeling sorry for myself, just a wee bit, and just another wee bit resentful of the Mayan Indians hubby was ministering to that week. Isn't that disgraceful??? Oh, it's not as bad as I am making it seem. But still, it is another
opportunity for the Lord to show me something, to refine my attitude, to break open the hardness of my heart, once again.
I found I had time to think. I could take a moment to meditate. I read the Word, and I listened to His voice. And in the end, I realized that He sent my hubby away, not to punish me, not to give him a vacation, nor to scare the Mayans. He sent him to do His will..to show Jesus to those who do not know Him, or who do not understand who He is.
Now, I am feeling joy and experiencing hope! am ecstatically enthusiastic about the future, about ministering to others, and about simply enjoying the gift of life that has been given to me and mine. And while I wandered about my home searching for that elusive last bit of dust, I was waiting, and watching, and preparing
for the return of the man God gave to me. For I knew that upon his arrival, I would see that same joy on his face, hear that hope in his voice, and I see that extra little bounce in his step, that jovial manner he would have about him, and the peace that would invade his person, me, and our home.
Yes, I can learn. God is not through with me yet. And while I am not the one who went away to a foreign land, I am the recipient of a great gift from Him, and He has used this space in time to enlarge MY territory, to fulfill MY sense of adventure, and to enrich my life in a way it has never been enriched before.
My prayer for you this day is that you will open yourself up and allow God to work within you. Give Him full and complete access to your heart, soul and mind. Tell Him that you want to learn, to know the joy, the hope, the power of the Holy Spirit, and all that He has for you. And trust Him….He has much for you. You will learn!
Isn’t it wonderful that it is never too late to learn from God. I realize, also that He is not through with me yet. But when I let go and Let God I have been amazed I waht I learn from Him. I enjoyed your post.
Thank you, Sheila. I am pleased that you see what I see, in that God has a purpose for each of us, right up till that last breath and even beyond! Be blessed this day!