We all NEED wiser, “more seasoned” people in our lives that are at least a few years ahead of us. We need them because they provide perspective that we are unable to have because we have less years of living. We need a godly mentor or discipler who will point us to God and to His word. I am grateful for these ladies in my life. I have sought them out, prioritized my relationships with them, and opened my heart to them so that they can speak into my life.
Recently, I had the honor of talking with one of these ladies. She reminded me that often times when we follow God, life gets harder. When Moses was told by God to go to the Pharaoh of Egypt and tell him to let God’s people go, Pharaoh did not listen. Not only that, he also made life harder for the people by demanding more bricks to be made with less help (Ex 5). Did Moses hear God wrong? Did Moses miss God’s will for his life and the life of his people?
What about Daniel? God gives him the resolve not to defile himself with the pagan ways. He raises him up in the Babylon court with knowledge and understanding. God then allows him to be lumped in with the wise men of Babylon who King Nebuchadnezzer orders to be executed (Dan. 1& 2) . Did Daniel miss God’s call on his life?
The answer for both these men is no. No, they didn’t get it wrong. God had led them into some very challenging situations. God had directed them and part of what He directed them into was hardship. Why? Why would a loving God lead his people into tough situations? Why would He call us into the hardships of adoption? The uphill battle of fighting for the sanctity of human life? The care of the helpless? Why? Because He loves us and He knows that in the struggle we are never without hope. My mentor reminded me (Us!) that our savior has the victory already won for us. We know that our master will return! We know He has the final word. We know we are hidden in Him. What great hope we can have as we battle, not alone, but with the victor!
Hold on to that hope as you struggle. And if you don’t have a person in your life that can bring wisdom from living with Jesus just a few years longer than you, go find someone! As Kristin reminded us in her post titled, Daily Mercies,
Lamentations 3:22-23~ Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
