As I have raised my children and taught them to pray and believe God for many things, I have also heard them say things that struck my heart with grief. Once, one of my children said they were mad at God for not answering me because they saw me as doing so many good things and they didn’t understand why God wouldn’t answer me. So, they held Him in contempt.
I had never even thought they would see things this way. They were offended on my behalf, even though they had never heard me question God that way. They had only seen me coming in thankfulness and asking and waiting. I’m not saying I’m perfect, but I have always been careful to show them a heart of gratitude toward God even in struggle.
When I listened to their offense, I asked God what to do or say. He said, “Nothing. Just let Me have the room to wrestle through this with them.”
That is a very difficult thing to do. But that’s what I’ve been doing. And I’ve observed the child who was angry with God, begin to slowly but surely come out of that and back into listening and believing. The turnaround wouldn’t have been nearly as quick if I’d have inserted myself into the process.
We must all go through this process at one time or another.
An important lesson I’ve learned about being a wife and mother is to allow God to have the room to move in my husband and children, without me getting in the way. I’ve experienced the delay I’ve caused by involving myself in the wrong battles. I do not want to do that again.
We must remember that doing good isn’t always an immediate reward. As with all things, sometimes it takes time to reap the goodness we’ve sown.
Read these verses:
“You have said terrible things about Me,” says the Lord. “But you say, ‘What do You mean? What have we said against You?’” “You have said, ‘What’s the use of serving God? What have we gained by obeying His commands or by trying to show the Lord of Heaven’s Armies that we are sorry for our sins? From now on we will call the arrogant blessed. For those who do evil get rich, and those who dare God to punish them suffer no harm.’” Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In His presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared Him and always thought about the honor of His name. “They will be My people,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child. Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.” Malachi 3:13-18
Staying faithful to God, no matter what, carries a promised reward. It’s worth it to follow Him whether you see the fruit of it now or in eternity. I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back, no turning back.
Whether we reap our reward here on earth or only in heaven…does it really matter?
I don’t remain faithful because I feel rewarded. I do it because He is worthy. Don’t ever forget that. We must always return to our real incentive. Not a gift for ourselves, but to bring honor and glory to God.
365 Days in the Presence 