Pastor John,
As I sat at my computer working today, these thoughts started coming. They were for me, but I believe they are for us all:
Jesus asking: “What if I made sure you married the person you are married to? What if it was all my idea? What if I gave you that sickness you are dealing with? Are you going to quit and run? Are you going to blame everyone and everything else just because it’s not going according to your plan and your timeline? Are you going to quit now? Are you going to pout, get angry, throw a fit because it’s not going “smoothly”?
What if I did it? What if I really did put you with the perfect person, the perfect pastor, the perfect body to perfect you, help you, and make you happier than you could ever imagine? What if I gave you the perfect sickness at the perfect time to teach you to rely on me as you’ve never had to in your whole life? to teach you to slow down? What if I planned every one of these things because I love you that much? What if my love is so great for you, that I would do whatever it takes to save you? What if I love you enough to make you humble? to slow you down? to teach you how to love? What if I love you so much that I would give you boundless opportunities to learn and grow until you come home to be with me? What if I planned the whole thing and it was all my plan to save you in the end and be with me forever? And you’re mad, thinking I tricked you. Well, I did it. I did the whole thing. Who are you really mad at, but me? Who are you really discontent with, but me?
It is just as you have said before, “God is FOR us!” His love is, really, more than tongue can tell and more than our human minds can fathom. I am so thankful to be here with you, with us, alive, learning, living.
Donna