Sometimes… every now and then… well, way too often- I question GOD. Really and that is probably not a wise think to do. But He graciously allows me to ask because He loves me. even though there are time when a pity party ensues and (in my flesh) I will stop to ask, “Why ?” “Why Lord should I care what they do or say? Why should I put my SELF out there to be tried? THEY do not deserve my time or Your grace. Why Lord?” Did I mention that my questions are usually borne from a bad experience or a negative encounter?
Do you, Dear Friend, ever feel that way? Apparently “Why?” is a question that GOD’s people have asked for centuries. Take a look at Nehemiah, Jonah, David, and Job- all questioning the purposes of GOD. Yet the Lord has never slacked in His answers and He has not condemned any of us for asking questions. I think I often choose ignore the answers He provides and that my Friend, is the rub. I really believe that in prayer, my honest pleas are worth His attention. When He answers though, I am not so earnest about listening.
Case in point, over the years I have read and quoted the Book of John, chapter 15. It is a Christian standard, “I Am the Vine, you are the branches”, you know. Well after all the times I read that chapter, today, in my flesh– I read it again. And in the second part of verse 2, the answer to all my Why questions resounds; “… and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”
¿Comprender? The Father is the Vine Dresser, the Gardener and He has begun a good work in which He will prune until the fruit, my fruit, is His Own. I never thought of that before but I get it now Lord. Slowly but surely, through the Scriptures I am able to receive Whose I am in Him and to know why He does what He does. Honestly I find it all wonderfully exciting to know that His answers, like His Love, are unfailing. Makes me think of Greek philosopher Plutarch’s statement “Water continually dropping will wear hard rocks hollow.” Even more so it is like Job’s words “As water wears away stones, And as torrents wash away the soil of the earth; So You destroy the hope of man.” Job 14:19; as my hopes are removed, You O GOD replace them with Your treasures for me which are far greater than my flesh could ever hope.
Thank You Father GOD Almighty for patiently waiting for Your Word to penetrate this rock, a pruned branch on Your amazing Vine.
