That’s just not who He is

This, too, shall pass. I know you don’t want to hear that. I know it sounds trite, even dismissive. But I really mean it. It will pass. It’s so hard to see past this moment, I know. It’s so hard to imagine what life will be like on the other side of this. But honestly, there is life on the other side of it.

Have you read my book, Hope Against Hope? If you have, then you know that I have had days where I couldn’t see past the darkness of the moment. I had to choose to believe. I had to choose to pray. Sometimes my prayers were nothing more than silent tears. Sometimes they were fiery, determined words straight from scripture. I wrote them out in that book. I told you what I was praying and believing for. It was no secret.

Recently, in a conversation with my oldest son, I looked into his eyes and heard the words of those prayers again.

Lord, give my son a new heart…put a new spirit in him. Remove his heart of stone, Jesus.

Taken from Ezekiel 36:26

I prayed it over and over again. I prayed it with great faith. And I prayed it with overwhelming doubt and grief. I chose to believe even when I didn’t have the courage to believe. And in that recent conversation with my son I realized that God had done exactly what I prayed all those years ago. He was not the same man who stood in the courtroom back then. I was totally overwhelmed by gratitude and awe for a God who answers prayer and loves us unconditionally.

And one thing I know for sure, I am no one special. My son is no different than anyone else. There is no reason my prayers should be answered above anyone else’s. In fact, I can cite a few reasons why mine shouldn’t be answered at all.

But that’s not how God works. That’s just not who He is. He is a forgiver. He is a lover. He is a grace-giving, miracle-working, awe-inspiring Savior. And I see His love every time I put my arms around my son. It’s a priceless gift. He is a priceless gift.

So, now, in the middle of the chaotic, turned-upside-down world we are living in, we find ourselves in need of an answer to prayer. We find ourselves in need of that same grace and hope He gave me back then. It’s there for the taking.

I hope you will take it. Even when your hands feel too tired to reach out. Even if your only prayers are the tears that fall from your eyes. He hears them. Lean into Him right where you are. And when you feel like He won’t answer remember my prayer for my son. Remember how my God came through. He’s your God too. He will come through for you.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6