“Suffering is unbearable if you aren’t certain that God is for you and with you.”
Tim Keller
Life is like one big tapestry. God weaves each person, place, and situation to create a beautiful tapestry. Even the suffering we go through, are threads carefully woven throughout our lives for the sole purpose of our good. Even in the pain we experience, the master weaver has a purpose in His plan and it’s for our benefit.
Last Friday, on my birthday, I “happened” to read my life verse during my quiet time. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
I am reminded that even though this transition and move to Wichita has been difficult to leave those I love, I know God has chosen this path because He loves me. In my head and in some parts of my heart, I believe all this change is for my good, my husband’s welfare, and for the benefit of my family and friends. I just can’t fully see it yet.
The Apostle Paul wrote in I Corinthians 13:12, “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror, then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then shall I know fully, even as I am fully known.” To be fully known by God, is a description of an intimate relationship. Only the master weaver has in mind what the stunning tapestry will look like when it’s finished and He alone knows the circumstances in life to thread in and out of our personal looms, in order to create what He desires.
A year ago, on my birthday, I went out to lunch with one of my favorite friends, and throughout the lunch I wept, as I shared my fears that a drastic change, even a possible move, was on the horizon. This year, I grieved my loss again, but this time, it was with a heart filled with gratitude and peace, knowing that God has done all this because He has my best interest in mind.
The master weaver is in the process of creating an attractive tapestry out of my life. I can’t wait to see what it looks like when it’s finished!
“…Some suffering has no purpose other than to lead a person to love God more ardently for Himself alone and so discover the ultimate peace and freedom.”
Tim Keller
Relevant Reflection:
In what ways have you seen the master weaver make a beautiful tapestry out your pain and suffering?