Dilemma

Years ago I participated in a parent committee formed by the local School Board to review the curriculum's of sex, drugs, and AIDS education for grades K to 12. What a challenge! I have tackled many “impossible” tasks in my life assuming that with enough time, energy, money, and determination, I could change the situation. However, I discovered while serving on that committee that regardless of how motivated I might be to make a difference – sometimes it just does not happen. Last night I could not sleep. I kept mulling over the options for my dad’s living situation, which is far from being resolved. Frustrated, I got up, slipped into my office and opened my email. In it was a devotional message by Os Hillman in which he directly responded to this kind of dilemma. “There are times when pushing harder, trying to manipulate the circumstance, or pressing those around you is not the response to have to the roadblock. God may be trying to have you reconsider your ways. God may be doing one of four things when you are faced with an obstacle: 1) He's blocking it to protect you. 2) His timing to complete this stage is not the same as yours, and He may need you to go through a process of character refinement. 3) He may want other players to get in place, and the circumstances are not yet ready for them to enter. 4) He may be using the process to develop patience in you. Relying on the Holy Spirit to know which one applies to your situation is the key to moving in God's timing.” I know that God has His hand on Dad and will show us the best place for him to be. We are headed out next week to check on things. As I fell asleep, I thanked God for reminding me to be patient – the path will be made clear.

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8 (NLT)


But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. 1 John 2:27 (NLT)