If you've been a parent or aunt or babysitter or hand any interaction with children, you know they don't always have the best ideas. Imagine a little kid asking you for an ice cream treat as an after school snack - and you - the adult - already know that you are having breakfast for dinner, which means the kid will be loading up on sugar that evening. You tell them no - not because ice cream is bad - not because you are trying to ruin their afternoon, but because you know that too much sugar is a bad thing.
Sometimes, you try to reason with the child: "Too much sugar will make your tummy hurt." or "You won't go to sleep tonight if you eat all that sugar now." You, with your wisdom and experience can see that their best (and most enjoyable future) is a path that doesn't have ice cream in it now. But try telling that to a 6 year old who can already imagine that rocky road goodness on the tip of their tongue.
As we approach a reality where God may say no to all the many prayers on Bunny's behalf - I myself am the little kid thinking that I'm asking for something good. What mother doesn't want to spare their daughter the difficulty of prison? What mother wouldn't want their 13 year old daughter back under their roof where I could personally care for her and ensure she gets the help she needs?
A life path through time in the Department of Corrections is much different than missing out on some rocky road before having waffles for dinner - but I have to believe that my loving Father in heaven can see what I can't. I have to trust His wisdom to know that maybe what I'm asking for isn't the best thing for her. Maybe her best life comes out on the other side of this valley and she has to walk through it - not be rescued from it.
For all the atheists in the room calling "foul" - I get it. I brag on the faithfulness of God to hear my prayer but now that the answer seems to be no, I am backtracking and changing my tune. All the people who call faith a crutch just to help me sleep well at night could use this as a prime example of twisting my faith to meet my emotional need.
But I know something the unbelievers don't - I know He is there. And I know He is good.
While I appreciate my unbelieving friends "sending warm thoughts and good vibes my way" - that is not the same as prayer. Warm thoughts show their empathy. Prayer is powerful. Your prayers are the reason I get out of bed. Your prayers are the reason that even though I have struggled with anxiety and depression most of my life, I have a reason for hope. I KNOW the Holy Spirit is moving through you on our behalf. I KNOW your prayers are making a daily difference in Bunny's detainment.
There are moments in everyone's life where you are truly tested - do you believe He is who He says He is? Do I believe He loves Bunny more than I do? Do I believe His plan is better than what I can understand? Am I confident in His faithfulness to us in the very darkest moments of this journey?
My faith isn't a crutch. It's the very foundation of my life.Without it - there would be no hope.
I will keep praying till Tuesday that Bunny gets sent home on house arrest. From my perspective - that would be best - for her and for us. But if she doesn't - I believe that in some way I can't understand, her time in DOC is ultimately better for her than coming home. And I will continue to live and breathe through your prayers and the power of the Holy Spirit. It is the only way we will make it to the other side.
No comments:
Post a Comment