Peace in the WaitingSample

Fearfully and Wonderfully

We all come to the Lord in the same way: by faith. And in faith, our hearts can be comforted in the knowledge that, while we don’t know all things, our Father in heaven does. In faith, we trust our Father. And who better to trust so wholly than a Father who sees all that we are and loves us completely?

I’m reminded of Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” You’ve probably heard that a million times. And I bet we’ve all received our fair share of well-intentioned comforting with reminders of God’s omniscience and sovereignty. But consider this: God doesn’t just work in all things. He also works in the hearts of all people. He knows the state of our hearts: hardened or inclined to Him, willing to see Him or not.

God made my friend Charlotte who not only doesn’t believe in Him but doesn’t even seem curious about Him. Yet God knows Charlotte much better than I do. He’s intimately familiar with her heart, and He knows the paths her life will take.

Read Psalm 139:13–14 and reflect on how it applies to your loved ones. Be comforted in the knowledge that God ordained your loved ones’ existence before time began. He formed them intricately out of His deep love: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

Thank You, Father, for the ways that You are mindful of my friends and family. You hold their lives in Your hands, and You love them deeply. When circumstances feel acutely unfair to me, I am even more thankful that my view is incomplete and limited. Please be gentle with me in my confusion and pain. Please let my heart not be hardened by frustration or impatience. Let me bring my hurt to You rather than filling my mind and schedule with distractions. Please keep my heart tender and allow me to receive the comfort and joy that You have for me even in the waiting. Amen.