We all have times when we step into messy stories.
At times they are our own, other times we find ourselves in the messy middle of someone else’s tale. Hopeless stories? No! Never. But stories laced with hurt, miscommunication, unmet expectations, confusion, distance, defensiveness and posturing, yes.
jesus entered messy stories.
- Talking with the woman at the well about her five husbands.
- Night time chats with Nichodemus as he wrestled with theological concepts.
- Another woman, this one caught in adultery (and let’s not forget the men who brought her).
No two stories the same, whether in the Bible or in the mirror. Some stories painfully clear as to how this chapter got started; others requiring forensic work to answer the question how we got here, to this point, scratching our heads, wondering when had it all gone so wrong?
Having entered several of these stories in recent months, a recurring question, a longing really, is to know what, exactly, is the plan? My answer: to submit to the process and through the process a plan will arise, a destination will be chosen.
That is the literal question. The hidden question, the one afraid to voice out loud is when will this be over? How long must I, must we, endure? We are often afraid to ask.
Afraid of looking weak.
Afraid of the answer.
Afraid of our role and what we will be asked to do.
Afraid that we will be disappointed in the outcome.
Instead people go with the safer question: So what’s the plan? This is achingly unsatisfactory. It shows on their faces, in their eyes, reflected in their body language.
Submitting to the process leaves us walking with Abraham and Issac, every moment a step closer to the horrible request. Will you sacrifice this longed for child?
Submitting to the process has us sit with Joseph in a jail cell, unjustly accused, as the days add up to years. Seemingly abandoned, forgotten, and alone.
Submitting to the process joins Hannah and her tears on the way to Jerusalem crying out in the midst of infertility for a child.
Submitting to the process may find us ostracized like Jeremiah, convicted by the rooster’s cry like Peter, or desperate for healing like the woman who spent all of her money in an effort to stop bleeding.
Here’s the paradox of the messy middle, the way through is often to stop asking what the plan is. Life does not come with clear instructions, a tidy time line, or a guaranteed outcome. Instead of looking through the peephole and trying to figure out the future, open the door to the One knocking and calling.
He understands about submitting to the process. It’s not always the most direct route out of a messy story, but any other route gets you even more lost and frustrated.
Awesome post- I needed to hear this today. I feel as if I am rushing the process after reading this. I need to take a step back and refocus on Christ. He is in charge of my process, of my messy middle, I just need to keep my eyes on Him.
Thank you.
TC, it’s easy to rush, isn’t it? This is a message I need to hear again and again!
I’m always so much happier when I’m submitting. Thanks for the reminder!
I wish I could say that I’m always so much happier, but I’m not. I’m quite good at fussing. BUT, when I do submit, the results are always better in the end! Thanks for stopping by Barb, Amy
I see your point. I guess I do a little of each. I fuss when I submit with my behavior – I’m happy when I submit with my heart – but sometimes it takes awhile to get to that heart stage of submission!
Agreed! :)
right you are my friend. thanks for the gentle reminder!
Blessings to you, my friend!
When I’ve been through tough situations, one thing I’ve learned is that I can’t adequately evaluate the situation in the middle. I have to just hold on in faith. Later on, the story became a little clearer by God’s grace. But we don’t even have the guarantee that we’ll ever understand. Ultimately, it’s not about the situation – it’s about the sovereign who’s in control.
True, true, true! This is a great reminder to stop and ask where we are in the process. If the answer is “in the middle,” it’s not the time to evaluate. Thanks!
Amy – thank you for writing this, on this very day, directly into my need. My patience in the midst of a very messy middle is renewed. Thank you. Praise God.
Yes, praise be to God! In whatever situation you find yourself, may you also sense God’s presence. Blessings, Sue. Blessings.
Wow, Amy, needed to hear this and SO appreciate you sharing!
ooooee! I loved this. Definitely one of my favorite posts I’ve read in a while. I especially loved your shout outs to Joseph, Hannah, Jeremiah, etc. I think when we miss the messiness of those scripture stories, we miss something really really important about out own stories.