Psalm 119:84
How long must your servant endure? When will you judge those who persecute me? Psalm 119:84
Have you ever been “not invited” to a gathering that all your friends and family were invited to? Have you even had things said about you without your ability to add context to your words? Have you had others speak ill of you without any ability to defend yourself?
I have…
I once had a person go around saying that my actions would cause my family to “live under a bridge.” Those were harsh and biting words that stung. For decades, I wondered what would bring a person to say something like that.
But God is faithful…
Then one day, following my wife and I’s move to Austin, TX, we found temporary housing in an extended-stay hotel near our condominium that was being remodeled prior to our move in.
All our possessions (from another down-size) were packed into the two-car garage while the rest of the 1500 square foot, four-plex condominium was being redone. This was a special, unplanned move since my wife’s parents lived down the street from our new residence. You see, we moved to Austin specifically to be in place should they need care. That was 10 years ago. Since that time, my father-in-law passed away in 2019 and my mother-in-law is still doing well and will be ninety-one later this year.
Sorry I digress…
So, we are living in this extended stay and one evening after returning to our room following yet another restaurant meal, I find myself walking down the third-floor hallway to our room . As I looked down the hallway, through a window, I saw cars driving past at eye level. It was a very odd sight. I entered our small hotel room and looked out of a bigger window. Sure enough, we were living under a bridge. There is a huge flyover (as Texas is known for) at the corner where this extended stay hotel is found.
God did have a plan, and His plan is always redemptive. He was sharing a private moment with me that evening to reassure me that He sees me, He knows me, and He loves me. Yes, living under a bridge was part of His plan for my life but not in the way that those cruel words were intended. He was using what someone else intended for hurt, spite, and evil to draw me close and smile with me.
He was moving me closer to Himself and molding my story into His bigger story.
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. – Genesis 50:20 ESV
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” – James 4:6 ESV
If you find yourself in need of redemption, God is listening. Please take time to pray that He will hear your prayer and draw you close to Himself. Please consider reaching out to Burke Care. We would love to walk alongside you as God’s grace becomes more real to you.
God, Your Word says that you oppose the proud and give grace to the humble. I pray that You will be faithful to continue to write my story into Your greater redemptive story. You are the main character of my story. Amen.
Application Questions:
When are the times that I make myself the main character of my story?
What are examples of me seeing God move close to me and give me more grace?
How can I put aside bitterness and resentment and look forward to the hope and promises of God?
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