DECEMBER 14 SHALLOW NARCISSISTS By Christine Wyrtzen Writer, Teacher, Recording Artist, Broadcaster, Daughters of Promise
Vast caravans of camels will converge on you, the camels of Midian and Ephah. The people of Sheba will bring gold and frankincense and will come worshiping the Lord. (Isaiah 60:6)
In the mighty expanse of God’s wisdom, prayers are always answered. Yet, God’s children in great need cannot predict what the answer will look like. Because our view is limited and our minds are finite, we often struggle with prayer. We know what it is like when we love someone and how much we desire to alleviate every place of pain in their life. If we could make things perfect for that person, we would. This is even more reason for us to wrestle with God and to trust Him to give us what is good. To believe all His decisions are driven by love requires supernatural faith. Never were these realities more on display than in the Christmas story. God provided supernatural clues of His loving-kindness in some instances but left us looking for them in many others. For example, He could have ensured a more comfortable journey to Bethlehem through the generosity of wealthy travelers who felt compassion for a woman about to give birth. The struggles and miracles in the life of Jesus continued all the way to His resurrection. We see God’s supply, but we also see the restraining hand of God as His Son suffered many things. In this, our faith is built. Can we call Him ‘good’ after a line of hardships and tragedies? I have seen the miraculous in my life. So have you. God showed up in unexpected places with just what I lacked. I prayed for help, and God came swiftly. I have also prayed and waited a long time for other things before seeing an answer. I don’t know the reasons why He waited, but when He finally did move, I can tell you it felt like the right time. In the waiting room of prayer, waiting was not my enemy, though it felt like it. God knew the benefits: my spiritual grit was increased, Scripture was explored, faith was exercised, patience was learned, and greater compassion for others was born. Both you and I have many unanswered prayers today. God will break through with saving power and redemption for all of them. If not today, one day. And when He does, we will give thanks that He does all things well.
Lord, I don’t want to be a shallow narcissist. In whatever ways I languish for You today, we both know it is good. Amen.
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