My human self longs to see God redeem according to my expectations. But that’s not how it works. And, even in the midst of all the questions, I am thankful.
Lauren Winner, in her chapter on God as laboring woman, writes, ” When I think of the hard work of labor , i realize that my unreflective assumption is that redemption is easy for God. Because God is all powerful, I somehow imagine redemption being a snap of the fingers” (Clothed in God).
But we simply cannot see the full view of what’s at work. Or the aching behind the scenes.
“We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!” I Corinthians 13:12.
None of us is immune to losses in this world. In the last decade, we have encountered job loss, unexpected illness, chronic mental health issues, deaths of loved ones and the everyday brokenness that comes from the consequences of tresspassing. Yet, God was at work. In my circle, friends have experienced the unexpected deaths of children and spouses, Yet, God is at work. I have witnessed it.
Scriptural narratives remind us that we don’t always get the whole view of the redemption God weaves throughout creation. Sometimes, the glory is either out of our field of vision or still unfolding. Yet, God’s hand is still bringing beauty from ashes. Life from death.
We may not see the full picture of the redemption. But if we keep watch, even if the view is partly obstructed, light will peer through in the most unexpected moments. And we see that there is a picture still emerging behind the scenes. Even if it comes in small glimpses at a time.
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The light was unexpected,
and perhaps not wanted;
if hope could be rejected,
my pride then could have vaunted
a cold and noble isolation,
abandoned by the Lord above,
and it need not then be my station
to reach out, and to love
those who were worse off than me
(but it’s ME who bears the worst!),
and in arrogance of dignity
I could then think me cursed,
but that light, in irritating fashion
replaced self-pity with compassion.
I always appreciate your creative replies.
Beautifully written. Thanks for sharing. Visiting from FMF #38 this week.
yes, so easy to forget how limited our view really is! beautiful post!