The Rest of the Story

My niece insisted that I tell you how the snake story played out. I'm a sucker for my kids so here goes. I told you that I did my part to ensure a 'snakeless' night. I cranked the cold air down, put my slippers up high and the light switch in easy reach. I prayed and asked the Lord to leave the snake out and to let me NOT have to go to the bathroom all night so I wouldn't have to get up. Well....within the hour - wouldn't you know it? I had to go. I turned on the light, put my slippers on IN the bed and slowly made my way across the room turning on lights all along the way.

As I sat on the commode with my feet UP, I said, "Lord, I'm so disappointed in you." Some of you are laughing and some of you are aghast but hey! in the middle of the night with a snake hanging around, the room at 50 degrees and no man around to be my hero, I didn't think it was too much to ask of My Beloved who can do all things and with whom nothing is impossible. Besides, He knew what I was thinking. Personally, I think He was laughing (because He already knew the snake wouldn't come in all night).

Ever been there? Have you asked the Lord for something and He didn't come through for you?
Prayed for a beloved child only to have them.....rebel, die, make bad choices?
Prayed for a job and lost out?
Prayed for a job and got laid off/fired/overlooked?
Prayed for health and got worse?
Prayed for a relationship and it ended?

I don't think one of us can't relate to some of the above. I have thought about this so many times since my own son went to heaven. My disappointment did not stem so much from Justin's death as the certainty in my heart that my God could do all things and He allowed this to happen. Disappointment with God is a cold, hard blow to the trusting child.

Back to the snake. God knew what I did not. He didn't have to answer the bathroom prayer because He answered the bigger one - the snake didn't come into my room. I just didn't know it. Could the same be true about my Justin? He didn't answer the safety prayer because He answered the bigger one - that Justin would love and serve God with all His heart? What about you? Did He answer your bigger prayer and you just haven't seen it yet?

Disappointment with God is a reality for those of us who live in this world and seek the one above. It would behoove us to admit our disappointments and allow the God who loves us completely - though we see through a mirror dimly - to bring us to a greater place of trust. I for one will never forget the lessons of the snake.

Wait on God beloved. He will answer in His timing. He will not disappoint. His answers may - but He will not. While He allows your circumstance, He is working out your eternity. Just like that long night worrying about a snake - morning came and showed me that my fears were groundless. So too one day this long night will give way to dawn and we too with unveiled eyes will behold the glory of what He has been working out for our good.