In a Mirror, Dimly

Joni Eareckson Tada's devotional book PEARLS OF GREAT PRICE is a gold mine of rich treasures. I don't read it every day but when I do I'm blessed and enriched. Last week while staying at my cousin Heather's home in Saskatchewan I picked up her copy and Joni's words of encouragement were just what I needed.

Reading her words today I thought of Julie the Little Missionary's heartcry (Prayer Seems Pointless) that she posted so eloquently, honestly and tearfully on this site.

Any of the Pilgrim Pals who have a pulse will feel Julie's pain. God cannot always be understood. His ways are beyond ours. Struggle as we do to understand, we still only see dimly.

Joni writes, "What heart-cries still remain unsatisfied for you? What questions still remain unanswered? What yearnings remain unfulfilled? Remember that this life is only a dim reflection of the true reality yet to be revealed. Bring your heart-cries and questions and yearnings to the feet of Jesus. Let His Word shed light and meaning on your heartbreak...and leave the rest to faith."

Joni closes her devotional with this prayer. "Lord Jesus, help me to gaze upon You this day, for You hold the answers...You fulfil each longing...You are my satisfaction. Help me to see you clearly!"

And so, Julie, we don't understand why God often leaves us in the dark for a season...or two. We question His workings or His seeming lack of attention to our heart-cries. As Charles Haddon Spurgeon wrote, "When you can't trace His hand, trust His heart."

One thing I've come to realize and I hold tenaciously to this fact..."As for God, His way is perfect." (Psalm 18:30) IT REALLY IS!

~ David, the Pilgrim