WHEN WE SAY TO GOD, "I'm leaving the final outcome of this situation to you," understand that his aim is to give us what our hearts desire. He will never deny us the best and will never give us less.This means he will make sure that whatever we want or the solution to the problem stands up to his standards . . . and that we do too. His methods may seem extreme. But don't let faith waver. Never doubt him. He loves you.
His testing may appear in the form of a life-threatening illness, the destruction of an object that has special meaning to us or a treasured reputation, the waiting, waiting, waiting for someone or something we want, the death of someone precious to us and the "why" that isn't there, a longing for an answer that doesn't come for many years, though we keep asking, or a marriage storm that we believe is impossible to fix, etc.
God's tactics often feel like a roller coaster ride, only we're strapped in the little car 24/7 and there are no bathroom breaks. No sleep. Oh, and we're blindfolded and it's dark. We have a sense of hopelessness or worse: that God isn't listening to us.
We wonder if there will ever be an end to the chaos. Then, it suddenly stops. Over the years I have witnessed or played a part in versions of some of his preferred methods. I always tell my friends (in jest), "That's is why I look like this!" We may not predict the outcome, except through faith. And once it is revealed, my reaction is much like that of a pope I once saw, after his last step off of an airplane, kneeling to kiss the ground.
I don't understand God's ways, of course, but they are effective at expunging all our fears and leaving us grateful for friends who were screaming along with us throughout the craziest parts of the ride. Those who are wise know that in the end God provides the best decision for everyone involved, because that's the way He is. And everything He makes is good. God's name means,"He causes things to exist."
No one knows his decision until the last moment. That is also his way. It is a reminder that He is in control and not us. There is another way to decide outcomes, but I've seen the poor sad folks who chose that way. So. If I look shaken when next you see me, don't worry. The decision is about to be revealed soon . . . Maybe.
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