Ephesians 4:31 (NKJV)
31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
Sometimes, there seems to be something blocking you from achieving something you desire. You want something to work out but there obstacles that keep arising. I had a bad day yesterday. That for which I prayed did not go my way. It left me wondering what God is doing. You think I would have learned that message.
Paul tells us to let go of all these bad things. When we harbor anger and bitterness, it clouds our whole life. My bitterness was in the form of un-forgiveness toward biological parents. Jean and I are Foster/Adoptive parents. As such, I become aware of some of the nasty deeds of biological parents. I have a great deal of difficulty forgiving them even though I Know God calls me to forgive. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:15 (NKJV) 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. I know I am supposed to forgive but it is hard.
Yesterday was a hearing for a boy we are hoping to have come live with us and adopt if he becomes available. His Mom has done awful things in her life and it is making his life uncertain. We know about things she has done to other children as well and they are bad. Although we prayed for the outcome of Parental Termination of Rights, the Court declined that petition and offered the mom another 90 day extension. I was beside myself. From my point of view, it was all bad news. How could they give her more time when she has already been given more than the law allows? I was upset for the boy whose life will remain in limbo for three more months. I was disappointed for us because we want him here. He is a joy. What was the holdup? I have come to a place in my Spiritual journey where I ask God what He is trying to teach me in things. It seems God was asking me to let go of bitterness and rage!
I went to my Every Man a Warrior Men’s Ministry meeting as usual. Only Mark was there when I arrived. That was probably God’s design. I asked for a hug as I was having a bad day. As my Brothers in Christ do, he listened to my story. He was asking himself and me the same question. What was God’s lesson in all this? Mark has been suggesting for a while I needed to pray for the mom. After all, she is a child of God. My un-forgiveness has prevented that so far. I knew he was right. By the Spirit, Mark explained to me the challenges the mom faced and the struggles she is going through in a way that made me realize she is doing what she can on her own. She needs the Lord to help her. It is my job to pray for all God’s children of which she is one. I was finally ready to pray for her and asked Mark if we could pray right now. He agreed and we prayed for her to receive strength to overcome addiction and for strongholds to be broken. We prayed for her deliverance and restoration. We prayed the Lord would help her no matter the outcome. I was feeling relieved of the burden of anger I had been carrying for quite a while.
We were almost to the end of our prayer when my phone rang and the ringtone told me it was my wife Jean. Jean got additional information about the hearing. She found out that the Court decided to move him to our house in the meantime. Who says miracles don’t still happen today? Although it is not the desired result according to my timetable, it is a step in the direction of stability for the boy. And remember, it is God’s timetable that matters, not mine! Here is the kicker. It was like God was waiting for me to let go of the bitterness and He would make the call. The moment I released the anger and prayed for the mom, He made the call through Jean! It is astounding to me how quickly my prayers were answered. My prayers were for the mom, for the boy and for us. God heard our prayer and answered. He was there waiting for my change of heart and prayer. When I followed His will, He immediately answered.
What bitterness and rage are you carrying? Let go of all bitterness and rage! It poisons your heart and life. Forgiveness is most important. We need to pray for others for their restoration. We need to understand that they may not be able to do what is right on their own. Let us ask the Lord to redeem them and help them to walk in His ways. Ask and you shall receive. I did!
Lord, You are an awesome God! You are always attentive to the needs of each of Your children. When You close doors, help us to understand it is for a reason. Even though we don’t understand, help us to obey and wait for You to make things right. You said You would work all things for our good. Give us the patience to wait for Your perfect timing. In Your name we pray! Amen!