Love doesn’t always look like what we expect. God is love, perfect love. I’ve experienced it; been in His presence and felt that incomprehensible love emanating from Him for every man, woman, and child who ever was. It’s a true thing. A powerful thing. There was no condemnation in it at all. Only acceptance and mercy. Words can’t describe what I felt from Him that night He visited me in my darkest hour.
But His love is more than an “ooey-gooey” feeling. His love made Abraham wait 20 years before the promise of Isaac came to pass. His love kept Joseph in prison until his time came. His love forced David to go through many tests and trials before fulfilling the promise of making him king. His love sometimes makes us wait. Makes us wait way past what we think is fair and right. Painful waiting. But there’s always purpose in it. He’s forming something in us – Forming His nature and character in us. Giving us the tools and abilities to accomplish the purpose of His promise. The bigger the promise, the more difficult the test. But also the greater the reward.
In the end, if we pass our test and overcome the tempation to give up, He gives us “far beyond what we can ask, hope, think, or dream.” And He doesn’t leave us to our test alone. He is with us in the midst of it. Providing grace, wisdom, strength, and hope. If you’re in one of these tests, don’t give up. Lean into it. Grab the hem of His garment daily and don’t let go. He who promised is faithful. There will be a good end to it if you don’t give up.
(originally published 2/6/20)