I calmly state that her plan had a flaw. No one would be available to meet her request. All the drivers in the house had work responsibilities. Surely this one detail out of the list of seventy would not merit anything more than an, “Ok mommy, I understand.”
Never have I as a mom judged a result so wrongly! A meltdown of epic proportion occurred. Tears, wailing, and gnashing of teeth best describes her response. As a mom, I felt righteous indignation rising up in my heart. After all the plans and surprises I had worked and slaved over, this is what I am receiving for my efforts. We spent our drive to school with much discussing and rebuking. Even when I revealed her surprise cake, there was still an element of disappointment in her eyes.
One of my sweet friends arranged for our awesome maintenance man to pick her up in his golf cart and drive her around to my side of the building. As he drove her around, everyone waved to her as if she was the queen of a parade. All the kids broke out in song for her as she exited the cart. God had done what only He could do for her even when her attitude and ungratefulness were so undeserving of His provision. Of course, as much as I displayed righteous indignation at her ungratefulness, I have to admit that I have found my heart in the same ugly state—unable to see all the amazing things that God has provided and accomplished because of one important to me detail that may have gone undone. So often God has done for me exactly what He did for my little one. He has given me my need or want in a way that was even better than I could have imagined. His mercy and loving-kindness are unmeasurable!
This earthly illustration met with Scripture in my devotions that evening. In Exodus 15 the Israelites have just crossed the Red Sea. They are singing God’s praises for the detailed and miraculous way in which they were rescued. Everything was just as it should be. Their future was filled with visions of easy travel and a land flowing with milk and honey. Then it happened. There is not water to be found for 3 days. The meltdown begins. Complaining and wishing for what had been became their cry. Their expectation of easy and the Promised Land had been met with a small measure of discomfort and waiting.
In Exodus 15:24-27 God shows up and gives them what they wanted. He gives them their need in a miraculous way. He even includes the promise that He would not visit His people with any of the plagues that had been dealt on their Egyptian enemies.
"And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” And he cried to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a log, and he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet.
A sad reality ends the chapter. If they would have just put their expectations aside, they would have seen His best was just another day’s journey. Twelve springs of sweet and refreshing water awaited. If they would just walk one more day. God knew the whole time that He had an amazing way of provision already prepared.
Like my little one, who had it all planned out, we can give in to our complaining spirit and give up on God’s best. Instead of letting go of our way and our plan, we hold onto that one thing that seems to be undone. He has the best for each one of us waiting to bring refreshment and peace.
No matter what we are facing or what we have not received in way of answer or provision, can we wait on Him? The best of God and His plan are what we will receive. Isn’t God worth walking one more day?
8 Comments
This is SO good! I have definitely had my share of tantrums with the Lord--and he is so patient with us! He knows what is best for us, and he know what lies around the corner that we can't yet see. Thank you for this powerful reminder that our God is good! Hopping over from #BVN!
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Christine
4/5/2019 03:34:56 pm
I love the way God teaches me so much through my own children and their choices, both positive and negative. So often they rebuke my heart and bring about so much change and growth. Isn’t that just like our God. Allowing the precious gift of motherhood as a vehicle for my sanctification. So thankful.
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4/5/2019 07:59:25 pm
What a beautiful post! God's grace is completely unmerited, thank heavens. We all have been forgiven and blessed when we don't deserve it. Your daughter's response to her birthday "disappointment" is completely understandable, completely human. God's patience is infinite and His mercy unfailing. We all have been there!
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1/27/2024 12:33:23 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Laurie!! Indeed, God's grace is a profound gift that extends to us despite our shortcomings. Your reflection on the human experience of disappointment and the understanding of God's infinite patience and unfailing mercy resonates deeply. May the awareness of God's grace continue to enrich your journey. Blessings to you!
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4/6/2019 12:56:37 pm
I really appreciate your encouragement around look for God's blessings in all circumstances, being thankful for what we do have and to be patient as we wait for something to unfold. Taking things one day, one step, and sometimes even one moment at a time, helps to break down into smaller, manageable units something that may appear to be insurmountable or impossible to overcome. And we see that by tackling the small portions or steps that we can handle, and keep going after each bit, before we know it we have walked through that challenge! Trusting God in his provision and protection in each step gives us the confidence to start and to find gratitude in his presence regardless of what is going on around us. Thanks for the post!
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1/27/2024 12:34:41 pm
Your thoughtful reflection captures the essence of resilience and gratitude in the face of challenges, Anne. Breaking down difficulties into smaller, manageable steps and trusting in God's provision and protection in each moment is a powerful approach. Your words are an encouragement to many who may be facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles. May your journey be filled with continued strength, gratitude, and a deep sense of God's presence. Thank you for sharing your insights!
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1/27/2024 12:35:50 pm
Absolutely, Donna!! :) God's mercy is indeed a profound and boundless gift. It's a source of comfort, forgiveness, and renewal that transcends our understanding. May the awareness of God's mercy continue to enrich your journey.
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