Nearly a year

It has been nearly a year now since God, my loving Father, touched me; He told me He loved me and would never leave me. It is still an essential part of the good news, it brings to my mind verses of promise that sustain me: They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. He makes all things beautiful in His time. Do not be weary in well doing. Verses like that. My friend are you discouraged? Go to Him and ask Him to defend you against bitterness and frustrations. In this world we will have tribulation but be of good cheer for He has overcome the world. He will lift you up.

I, just recently, was feeling anxious and frustrated. Over things that had not happened. You see my sin had separated me not just from God but also from loved ones. I had been a traitor in the relationships and had not kept the spoken and un-spoken promises that are basic in those relationships. I felt as if everyone would forgive me and restore me, that there was an obligation to do so. But that does not always happen. In addition, other relationships between brothers in the Lord had not panned out the way I thought they would. I was in a situation where bitterness could easily become real. 

My relationship with my Heavenly Father manifested itself in immediate and wonderful changes but those changes did not transfer to my earthly relationships. What can I learn from this? First of all, we are all in a state of growth and change. Second, some things do not heal. The consequences of sin, of disobedience, are sometimes permanent. This is the very sad news of sin. When things do change it is a gift from God and when they don't that is also a gift from God. To make us grow. To allow us to give thanks in everything!  Only God can cause love and forgiveness to abound in the hearts of those we have wronged. They must allow God to do a work in them. But the schedule for this is not posted anywhere. And this can make us grow impatient.

It took sixty years for me to come to an end and allow Him to work in me. He was patient and very kind to me. Should I not allow that same goodness, kindness and patience from Him to me towards others? How long has He been good, kind and patient with you? It was even His kindness that led you and I to repent.  So I pray to my Father: "Oh God please take from me every bitter thought and word. Let me forgive others as you have forgiven me. Allow me to show the goodness, kindness and patience towards others that You show towards me and help me to remember Your promises!"

God's promises are more sure than the present circumstances. Will the circumstances ever change? He does not promise that; they may not change in our life time. Some changes are reserved for eternity. But they will come, of that we can be sure. In the meantime think on these things: the just things, the pure things, the lovely things, things of good report; think on virtue and praise. Think on these things.