It is usually the situations in which we feel the most helpless that draws us near to God. We are forced to “lean not on our own understanding, but in all our ways acknowledge Him, so that he will direct our paths” (proverbs 3:5-6). This past week a visit to the dermatologist office went all wrong. Two days after the treatment, I woke up with a swollen face and boils. After being unable to reach my doctor, fear led me to buy all the over-the-counter creams hoping for relief. I tried everything. My summer vacation turned into a test that I couldn’t escape from. It’s to become reactive and not productive in the midst of the test. However, when we cast our care on him we can pass with flying colors.
My pain relief efforts didn’t work. So, I turned towards the mindless distractions that can only be found on the internet. I came across a quote that I didn’t quite understand. “When a man is beaten, tormented and defeated… he is ready to learn” by Emerson. I questioned; Why must I suffer to learn? Doesn’t suffering produce bitterness that could destroy any chance of learning anything? The word says quite the opposite. In James 1: 2-4 consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. I prayed and felt a peace that I can only describe as being in the presence of God. I kept trying to do it my way, but a helpless situation forced me to surrender and lead me into his arms. In the end, I came to learn how divine detours can lead us to shortcuts to God.