Recently, I changed television carriers, so I’m still discovering the channels now available to me. This week I watched a few episodes of an older series I haven’t seen in over a decade. My timing was good. Two episodes in, I’m watching an intense cliffhanger season finale with the next episode immediately to follow. Except it didn’t. For some reason, the channel became temporarily unavailable. The TV worked fine, internet worked fine, other channels still tuned in well, but not this one. In this show, there were several conflicts to be resolved and questions to be answered, so I was disappointed to be left wondering.
It’s natural for us to be curious and seek answers. From TV shows to life’s complex situations, we desire to KNOW. After all, if we have all the ‘pieces,’ we are more satisfied, less conflicted, and can make more informed decisions. Sometimes we get to do that, but other times…we are left wondering. Wondering, but not without a path. Our questions (our prayers) often come with a lot behind them: Why is this happening? When will I find a solution? How will a transformation take place? Am I currently doing what I should to help bring about the right result?
As these and additional questions/prayers cross my mind and heart, I’m often given or come across an encouraging reflection, prayer, or conversation of faith at just the right time. It reminds me about the quiet work of God, the Way He is making for me, and the assurance that He hears my prayer. They are appropriate, supportive, and helpful, but they aren’t answers. Or are they? I’m learning that answers don’t always look like answers, and I don’t want to miss them. These revealing moments are meant for me, and they are the answers I need to remind me that the Lord hears me and already knows what is best before I even ask. Before they call, I will answer, while they are still speaking, I will hear. (Is 65:24) What a comfort that our prayers are heard, our answers will come, and through His grace, we will KNOW all that we need to.
For us, the way to this grace is through truly surrendering our questions and answers – and the anxiety and doubt that come with them – to God. Surrendering in deep faith might take some practice and some getting used to, and that’s okay. God sees us trying, and He will be there. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. (Jer 29:12)
I’m not always successful at surrendering, but when I am, I am blessed with increased peace, more certainty, and less worry which are comforting answers themselves. Let us pray that during our times of wondering and surrender, we do not miss the Lord’s revealing moments meant for us.
Journeying to Grace 