I checked my computer each hour for several days. First it was to see my daughter’s medical test results as she is sick with a diagnosis in progress. Next it was to receive a message from her doctor about the findings. After waiting a week, we finally received news that a clear diagnosis and solution is yet to emerge. She has been ill for six years. I’m disappointed, frustrated, and brokenhearted as I continue waiting for something to help her.
We left for Bible camp a few days later. I watched the kids there energetically interact, and I watched my daughter pace herself. As the kids hang out together, my daughter stays close to her parents. Over time the illness has led to isolation followed by social anxiety which has stolen some of her confidence. The reality sometimes saddens me to the point of tears.
Then one evening my eyes went past the kids and staff at the camp and settled upon a cluster of the amazing, tall pine trees of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The sun was peaking through and it forced me to look up. Up toward heaven—toward the Father—and away from the situation at eye level. AS I LOOKED UP, I WAS REMINDED WHO GOD IS. HE'S A LOVING FATHER AND HE KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING.
I’m struggling with this situation in a big way, but deep down I believe He has a reason for what he has allowed in my daughter’s life. I am trying to trust His timing regarding the hopes I have for her. Perhaps what I want and see as beneficial is not as good as I think it is. Perhaps she was created for a special purpose that requires this difficult season. Or perhaps the timing is still not right. But I hold on to my hopes like precious jewels. I want to see her thrive. Releasing my grip is going to require a powerful intervention.
By His grace, God’s words came to me this week, Ecclesiates 3:1 spoke some patience into my heart. “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven…What does the worker gain from his toil? …(God) has made everything beautiful in its time.”
CAN I WAIT FOR THE BEAUTY THAT GOD HAS PLANNED EVEN THOUGH IT HURTS NOW? Without meddling, do I have faith He will bring something good from the suffering that has passed?
John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things so that you may have peace.”
WILL I LET GO OF INTENSE PROBLEM-SOLVING IN ORDER TO HAVE THE PEACE GOD INTENDS FOR ME? For me this is an act of will. It takes a strong and purposeful redirection of my natural inclination.
In Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, she writes as if Jesus were speaking this concept to us in person. She says, “Stop trying to work things out before their times have come. Accept the limitations of living one day at a time. When something comes to your agenda, ask Me (Jesus) whether or not it is part of today’s agenda. If it isn’t, release it into My care and go about today’s duties.”
The action steps I see in this paraphrase of God’s directions are this:
- STOP TRYING SO HARD
- ACCEPT THE LIMITATIONS OF TODAY
- ASK GOD ABOUT HIS AGENDA
- RELEASE MY AGENDA INTO GOD'S CARE
Lord, when I’m waiting for beautiful, even when it hurts, give me strength to release my agenda and to initiate yours.
Dr. Karen Crum brings hope and practical support to parents through her blog and award-winning book, Persevering Parent: Finding Strength to Raise Your Child with Social, Emotional or Behavioral Challenges. Join her blog and link to her book at www.PerseveringParent.com.
