Waiting on God

White Angel Breadline (1932) by Dorothea Lange

We live in hard times. Never, since the Great Depression, have we endured such economic hardship and public pessimism. Though it seems countries like Brazil, India and China are doing great economically, we often ask ourselves... what about us? We, who have been living in the comfort of a prosperous American economy for decades, are now faced with the idea that perhaps our standards of living and economic security is no longer an assured thing. The American Dream is a myth; the United States is no longer the land of freedom and opportunity as it once was during the industrial revolution. Is there a purpose for all this suffering? Has God forsaken this nation? The simple answers are yes and no, but it is difficult to take that to heart. We have grown spoiled... entitled. Forgetting that in spite of the recent economic woes, we still complain nonstop while good people die outrageously in poverty and in hunger in other parts of the world. However, my heart goes to all of those who suffer the aftermath of the housing crash and perhaps even 9-11. Believe me, even I have been greatly impacted by these events in more ways than not.

Perhaps this entry might be more of an attempt to reassure myself that there is a silver lining at the end of the tunnel, and that things will be okay while I pray continuously for God to show himself in my life. Life has not been easy, and though I have not lost sight of the big picture, it is easy to grow pessimistic and bitter. And because I have no other option, I read the scripture and pray.

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. - James 1:2-4

The word of the Lord says that the good and perfect plan of God is only and always fulfilled and made known in God's timing. Trust in the Lord, for he is in complete and total control. We as God's people face difficult trials until He reveals himself to us. That is the promise he makes. We need to hang in there. Know that God Immanuel is with us.

I do believe that somehow there is a purpose for suffering in our lives. Have you grown closer to God during this time? Have you let go and let God take over? Persevere in the Lord, and as you wait glorify him above all else. Be thankful for the grace he has shown to us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and for delivering a plentiful life in the United States thus far. Let us grow in Christ like never before, for the harvest will be plentiful. Let us hang in there faithfully, indeed never forgetting who truly is in control.