The Sunset

Thoughts Along the Way ©

Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:6-7

            Hawaii is known for its amazing, awe inspiring sunsets. This renown is quite justified but …. I still remember a particular sunset that we stood on the beach to watch. I expected it to be fantastic but it wasn’t. It was more of a dud sunset. Yes, the sun went down but there was no burst of color nor was the sun reflected on the ocean waters. It just set. John and I continued to stroll along the beach enjoying the cool breezes. Long after I thought the disappointing sunset was done, the sky began to catch fire with all of the reds, pinks, oranges, and purples that can be imagined. What was even more surprising was that it went on and on to the point that it was getting dark but the sky was still aglow. Perhaps it was the contrast or perhaps it was just the right atmospheric conditions. Whatever it was that created it, it was a sunset to remember. I’m sure I have seen ones with more vivid colors but never one that lasted so long and brought such contentment to my heart.

            This sunset was another demonstration to me of my misunderstanding how God works. Just as I expect sunsets to happen in a particular way, so I expect God to work in certain ways. When He chooses to work in the way that I anticipate, I rejoice in my wisdom at what God has done and praise Him for it. When things don’t go as I expect or want, I begin to wonder if God has gone on a vacation (maybe to Hawaii). Was He not paying attention? Did I do something wrong and I’m being punished? And the final question – is God good? I may be embarrassed to ask these questions, but God is not embarrassed to answer them. His answer is always a reminder that He is good and He is in control. He hasn’t forgotten me or been too busy someplace else. He always wants the best for me.

The problem is not with God, it is with me! I want the universe or at least my little part of it to revolve around me and my wants. I want to be god! There is only one God and it is not me. We can all be very thankful for that because I would make a great mess of the universe. I can’t see the whole picture and I don’t know the end from the beginning. God does. What He wants me to learn is to trust Him; to faithfully wait for the amazing surprise that He has for me. If I had walked away when I thought the sunset was a dud, I would have missed not only a beautiful sunset and memory, but also a lesson on waiting for God. When I refuse to wait on God, I miss the best He has for me. Sometimes that best comes wrapped in “dud sunsets” and sometimes in pain, but given time His glory always shines through.

Prayer: Father, forgive me for my impatience and desire to have my own way but even more forgive my heart that wants to be god. Forgive me for my lack of faith in You. Help me to see Your hand at work especially in the disappointments and struggles of my life. Transform me into a child who walks by faith and waits by faith.