This blog is an article for the Together Paper of Wagga Wagga Diocese February Edition.
In books we love a good plot twist. In our lives however, these are not always welcome.
Especially if they’re the kind of plot twist than can be categorised as a disappointment.
Life is full of disappointments, big and little. They vary in scale and magnitude; a less than
flattering style at the hair salon, a job interview than didn’t end with an offer, a relationship
that broke down, the list is long.
When God throws in a plot twist, we often want to skip ahead to find out what happens next.
But even if we did know how our story is going to play out in the end, skipping ahead
negates waiting.
And, the thing is, there’s growth in the waiting.
It doesn’t feel like it of course. When you’ve invested time, planned and prepared well, it is
difficult to watch something stop, pause or worse, never start.
There’s a sense of loss; wasted time, effort and resources. There is disappointment, anger,
embarrassment and even, blame.
In a word, there is suffering.
Waiting and suffering is not a new concept for us. Ours is a faith often associated with both.
The Hebrews waited years for a Messiah, much of which was spent in bondage and slavery
– ie. suffering. They were still suffering at His first coming and long after. As we wait for His
Second Coming, we’re suffering too.
We know that suffering can be redemptive, that it can refine us, and make us more like
Christ.
It is painful, and difficult to endure.
But we can endure it. We hold onto a living hope, a promise that our sufferings are not for
naught. That one day every tear will be wiped away, and there will no longer be mourning or
pain. (cf. Revelation 21:3-4)
In his first letter, St Peter writes: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of
Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and
unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith
for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, even if now for a little
while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith—being more
precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise
and glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter: 3-7)
This living hope does not take away our sufferings, but it helps us to look forward to a time
where there will be none.
Don’t be afraid to feel disappointment when things don’t turn out the way that you planned.
This period of suffering is also one of grace, if you’re disposed to receive it.
So pause, pray and reflect. Avoid any rash or reactive decisions and instead discern what
God’s asking of you at this time.
Above all, hold on tight to the living hope.
It’s a Jubilee Year of hope after all, seems like a timely reminder to me!
Written by Emily Shaw
VM Writer and Graphic Designer.
Wife of one, mother of 8. Tackling growth in virtue one (baby) step at a time.