” . . . we risk missing out on knowing God when we are intent on reaching resolution rather than appreciating the relationship. When we are too focused on outcomes, we. . . despise lament sessions and begin to question God’s heart toward us.”- Esther Fleece
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”- Hebrews 13:8
Esther Fleece continues Chapter 7 of No More Faking Fine as she describes a first date she recently experienced. Although Esther hadn’t dated in ten years, she decided to be open and try again. However, the moment she got in her date’s car, the interview process began. Her date remained fixated on his end goal. As a result, he failed to see the beauty in developing a relationship over time.
Similarly, Ms. Fleece believes, we tend to do this same thing to God over time. Speaking personally, Esther writes:
“I want to know God’s plans for me. I am often impatient . . . and many times I complain about how hard my life is . . . instead of seeing myself in a committed relationship with Him — for better, or for worse.”
Therefore, Esther states, we must trust in the character of God while we await His response. Thus, lament is a process that:
- may not yield immediate results
- is deeply relational
- requires our hands and minds to take on a posture of humility and anticipation of deepening our relationship with our unchanging God
- includes sanctification
- can be hard, but also beautiful
In the next blog, Ms. Fleece focuses on the Book of Habakkuk. Reading Habakkuk showed Esther the wisdom of embracing the process of lament and how lament transforms us.
Today’s question: During your desert, land between time, are you intent on reaching resolution or developing a relationship with God? Please share.
Coming Monday: the Easter Short Meditation, “Hope comes in two flavors”
Tomorrow’s blog: “When we have unanswered questions”
