And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 ESV
Since I was a little girl, like most I wanted to dance on stage. I wanted the pretty costume, the spotlight and of course the applause. Though I am not a little girl anymore, the dream of dancing has never faded.
Unfortunately, I did not have the grace or natural talent of dance then or now. But I do have the desire. So, last year, I had the opportunity to do something new and fulfill a dream. I learned to tap dance and had my time in the spotlight with an amazing group during recital. I also learned more than the shuffle and ball change; I had a refresher on patience and enjoying the process. Oh, and a little bit about being a stagehand.
I volunteered to help out between acts. I think I caught a touch of the showbiz bug. My main role was opening and closing the stage curtain. That curtain is heavier than you think, and it takes several pulls to get it to move. Between sets when the curtain was closed the stage was a buzz of activity.
Every time the curtain closed the dancers exited the stage. Runners brought up the next group and lined them up. Props were changed out. Music was cued. The stage manager gave the signal, and everyone retreated to the wings to watch. The curtains slid open to reveal a new act.
I watched this play out between the acts. I thought about how much work goes into this production. Hours of stage design, costumes, props, music and months of learning and instruction. All for that moment when the curtain rolls back. I thought about how all the classes, blisters and practicing in my living room was for this moment. I remembered all the tears when I said I couldn’t do it. “I’ll never get this routine. I so terrible at this.”
As I watched from the wings, I thought about all those things that happened to make this show. I reminded of Romans 8:28. Everything works together for good. The good, the bad, the painful and times of doubt and discouragement. It all has to happen for the good result. We have to hold on to faith and push through when we think cannot.
God is always working in your life. You may not see it at first. That prayer that you have whispered for years feels like it will never be answered. Be assured, He is working for you. Waiting on your break in business? Looking for your true love? Praying for a baby? Financial peace. Salvation for those you love. Day after day you wonder, “Is He hearing my prayer?” “Will this situation ever be resolved?” “Should I give up? Quit?“
I think that we sometimes expect God to answer our prayers and fix situations on our terms. According to our plans and timelines. Yet, God’s timing is perfect. God could simply snap His finger, and it would be. However, would that help us? Would it strengthen faith or patience?
3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5 ESV
Sometimes I grow weary waiting. I forget to be patient with myself and the circumstances. Discouragement creeps into my heart. I feel defeated and hopeless. When this happens, I remind myself of Joseph (Genesis Chapters 37-50). The story of Joseph is one of betrayal, resilience and divine providence. The story showcases how Joseph went from being the favorite son. He was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery. He ended up in prison for something he did not do. Finally, he became leader of Egypt. If Joseph had given up, he would not have been in the position to save a nation from starvation. He did not lose faith that God was ultimately in charge and working.
While in slavery and prison, Joseph continued to have faith. He never stopped doing his best to show a life that followed God. He didn’t give up or quit. Through it all he continued to hold on faith and wait for the breakthrough.
If you are feeling discouraged about something you have been waiting for, don’t be. Instead, rely on God and trust that he is working all things for your good.
Right after this backstage reminder, a situation I have been praying for 6 years gave me renewed hope. I saw that change was happening in my situation. A change that had been stirring unseen by me. Trust in God’s timing and believe that everything He does is to benefit you spiritually, emotionally and physically.
Typist for Jesus
Mustard Seeds, Modern Parables 