It's been a tough week. At one point I was literally crying out to God, "I thought we were done with that!" My frustration came from the point of view that I though we had closed the book, slammed the door, been there done that, FINISHED with that. But it's not over. This morning's message (the last in a sermon series on the book of Job, by Gregg Koskela) was a clear reminder that God isn't done with us. The story is not finished. We don't write the last chapter of our life experiences, God does. Our job is to be open, willing, and ready to take on the next challenge, the next chapter. In this truth we find hope.God showed me his severe mercy this week by opening my eyes to the fact that I cannot close the door on parts of my life that are difficult. Yes, I can move forward, but I don't always get to choose what happens next. This is especially true if you live in relationship with others. And thankfully, I do. I don't exist as a hermit alone on some mountain with only God to interact with. God has given this extrovert many broken, fragile, beautiful people to love, cherish, and sometimes to be severely disappointed in. These people often represent Christ in my life. But sometimes, they are just human. Sinfully human.The story does not end. God desires a life-long, eternal relationship with me. When I try to close the door he allows it to be propped back open. Here is where I've found peace this week...God does not reopen that door as failure or condemnation, but rather as a way to deepen my relationship with Him. He invites me back in so I can pray with more reverence, love more fully, pursue him honestly, and abide in him alone. I pray you won't ever close the book, try to write the last chapter, slam the door, or walk away from His grace.
