♕ Today's Promise: “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord” Lamentations 3:25,26
In God's view, a year is like a day. Sometimes we think something takes too long, but in His timing, it is right.
Years ago, I shared a copy of RYM with my best friend from college. This was before my divorce, while I was struggling, but after I had found RMIEW and was beginning to know my HH. My friend's marriage had always been a struggle. I knew them when they dated, and I cannot remember a time when they were happy.
Of course, I immediately wanted to share what I had learned with my friend, hoping that she too could know the joy. She is a book reader, and she did read RYM, but she said that she just did not agree with some of the things in it. She has a strong religious upbringing, and she is uncomfortable with anything that does not come out of her denomination.
I was sad that she wouldn't try a course or reread and soak in what RMIEW had to offer, but I--of course--continued to pray for her and her marriage. My Love told me to be silent on this subject with her. I would listen to her complaints, and I would love her and befriend her and pray for her.
Yesterday, she was in town, and we had a lovely day together. We walked the gardens, we visited my daughter and grandson (she is my daughter's godmother), and we went to a movie that we had both been wanting to see, then we went out to dinner. She noted the peacefulness I lived in. She is aware of concerns that I have about my children and mother--much is going on--but she saw that I know that my Love knows all things and I can turn them all over to Him.
Near the end of the evening, she spoke again of the pain and frustration of her marriage...her husband's coldness to her; his workaholism and lack of any future plans for retirement. I listened.
Then, suddenly, she spoke of how she knew that God had done all of this! He had peeled away her sons (they live far away) and any joy of a relationship with her EH so that she would learn that HE is her only true resource. His love was all that mattered!
Joy rose inside me. Much of what she said was near to quotes out of RYM! But, she doesn't yet feel the joy. I think she feels pious suffering because that is what is taught within her religion. In suffering, we relate to Him. I know that sometimes in suffering we TURN TO Him, but I have also learned that when we completely lean in and trust, we will have joy!
I asked my Love what I should say in response, and He said to me, "Joy will come; wait quietly." He lead me to affirm her in having found the truth of our ONE true LOVE. I know my eyes sparkled as I hugged her. I hugged her EH, too, as he had come to pick her up. I was led to say quietly to her EH, "God loves you." He responded, "Amen, sister," which is NOT the normal response in his denomination. I feel that our Love is moving in his life too!
His timing is what matters, not our own. Sometimes we feel our prayers are not being answered, because we can't SEE anything happening. We must remember that we cannot see it all!
Seek Him, as you share what you have learned with others. FOLLOW HIM! His timing is all that matters. Live in peace and joy!
‘But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance’ (2 Peter 3:8,9).
~ Beverly
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