A Mystery

“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27 NASB

“I pray because I can’t help myself. I pray because I’m helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn’t change God, it changes me.” C.S. Lewis

Richard Rohr said, “Information is not transformation.” True words. If all I needed was information, I’d be rich, a genius, and a perfect Christian. And I’m not.

There are situations where information is critical such as medical situations. I knew so much about my husband’s disease but it didn’t transform him into good health.

Childhood books galore when my son was born did not transform me into a perfect parent with a perfect child. We both made progress but it wasn’t a piece of cake.

Studying financial investments and saving like Scrooge did not transform me into Warren Buffet. As you know, my husband’s disease made short work of our savings.

I am sure relationships are the very tool our Father uses for true transformation. Our transformation. Possibly their transformation. When we look back, we see our Father was working quietly and patiently through many counseling sessions, prayers, sermons and practice but transformation is God’s work.

Musings

An honest Christian will say that doubt happens frequently in our Christian life. It’s part of self-discovery and the Christian journey—a mystery. It strengthens faith if we endure. If we love.  Those prayers for endurance and love are always answered, though not recognized many times. A mystery. God’s love transforms.

Prayer

Dear Father,

We thank you for all the prayers you’ve answered. Some prayers were joyous. Some prayers seemed unanswered. As long as we endure, which you help us to do, and love, which you’ve done since the beginning, we will become more like your son and bring more into your kingdom. With great joy. A mystery with a happy ending.

You always answer prayers.

Amen.