
The Gift of Forgiveness
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.—Colossians 3:13 (NIV)
As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.—ECCLESIASTES 11:5 NIV
Everyone expected her recovery to go smoothly. The doctor predicted that she would be home in a few months. Possible side effects were discussed, though no one really believed they would occur. Unfortunately, they did. And not just one, but almost all of them. Each new health crisis postponed her homecoming date again. Everyone became discouraged, fatigued, and confused.
We just don’t understand, Lord. Things are just taking too much time. This is not what we expected at all—and we’re running on empty. We are tired and afraid.
So often in life, things happen that we don’t understand—and will probably never understand. When physical or emotional challenges interfere with our own “control” of our lives, it can be very disheartening.
What can we do? Try setting aside those fears, expectations, and disappointments even for just an hour, resting quietly in the arms of our Maker. That spiritual “downtime” renews our spirit.
God is the only one who sees the complete picture and, though it is hard to do, we have to trust Him through the process. He will provide the strength and encouragement for us to take the next steps.
Understanding Lord, You know our path and how we are formed. It is so hard just to trust in You, and I ask Your help in putting my fears and expectations into Your hands.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.—Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.—Psalm 91:11 (NIV)

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.—Romans 5:8 (NIV)