I am an avid reader. I love a well-woven story…the kind that I can read and re-read, when I feel inclined.
The thing about a good story is this–when I read it, it evokes emotion and transcends the normal everyday thinking that goes on in the on-going, thought conversation of my mind. Somehow it lifts my thinking to a new plane. This alone makes good reading.
Even if I disagree with the author, I believe that at least I have given consideration to other modes of thinking. It is good to revisit those opinions, lining them up to scripture again, and assess whether those opinions I hold are based on truth.
But most of all, I love reading an author, whom I trust. I am trusting them to weave the story. Even when all goes wrong, I trust that the author will take that journey and make it an exceptional ride.
Some books I read, and am glad I read them–but will never read again. Why? Because in some way, I feel the author has let me down. They were not trustworthy with my heart.
Then there are those books that are happy in a methodical way, but not stirring beyond the gladness that it ended and ended well (I call these books “Bubble Gum” books–satisfying to chew on until the flavor wears off. Still I like Bubble Gum once in awhile!).
Finally, there are those books, which divert my attention. I read them slowly, so as not to miss on ounce of goodness. They are the kinds of books, which I finish and happily sigh, and then I spend the next week thinking about what I loved about that book! These are books I revisit. They become like dear, old friends to me–worth savoring and worth investing my time again and again.
So as I consider books and how I love them, I especially am riveted by this TRUST in an author. And of course, it makes me think of God. For, you see, He is writing our stories. In our freewill, we are choosing the pathways, for sure. But also, there is that element of God’s will and purpose for each of our lives. As the Author (and as a Gentleman), God comes in and weaves tales in our lives that are riveting, valuable and praiseworthy–and He lets us choose to accept the way He tells it or not accept it (which is another post altogether about disappointment, bitterness and feeling betrayed). Some of the stories are quite hard, indeed. Yet, from those stories, He begins to create something marvelous and beyond our comprehension. He makes all things beautiful in their time!
It’s funny, too. I seem to trust God for YOUR story with greater faith and fervor than I do MY OWN story. There is something to be said there. Something worth pausing for a moment and reflecting on WHY that is so. Perhaps it is our investment in our own story–that we are unwilling to surrender it and distrusting how God might allow it to be woven. We want our names on the byline of the title page, too. In fact, we want it FIRST.
All these thoughts have been stirring in my mind…and I consider the WHAT IF’s.
What if we surrendered our story to God and let Him write it?
What if we believed with all our hearts that God is really and truly FOR us?
What if we stopped the grumbling and arguing and simply began to rest all our weight upon the fact that this particular Author is also the One, who created us, loves us unconditionally and is unrelenting in His ardent and gentle care?
He doesn’t place any of us characters aside with suspicion, prejudice or disfavor. He knows us intimately. He weaves wonderfully. He knows the end of the story.
So my challenge for you today is to consider your story–the high-highs and low-lows. Surrender your story to your Abba, who does all things wonderfully and well.
HIS is a story worth re-reading. Take time today…and be as fervent trusting the LORD with your story, as you do for others. It’s okay to HOPE for a good ending, because it IS a good ending.
