Above and Beyond

Not too long ago, the beloved holiday called "Christmas" bore a bit of a bite for the Gentry family.  Sure we loved Christmas and enjoyed family time together, but seeing children so excited in the holiday season often only reminded us that our own prayers for children were going unanswered.  Though married for 15 years, and with no reasonable explanation, my brother and sister-in-law struggled through the unbearable pain of infertility.  Three years ago, as I read the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, I came across a verse that rang true in my own soul:

"Blessed is she that believed, 

for there shall be a performance of those things 

spoken to her of the Lord."  

I read this verse and thought of my sister-in-law, Trudi, suffering through years of infertility.  I thought of the desires of my own heart that seemed to have been shelved by the very God who promised to fulfill them.  I thought of friends and family struggling through their own questions, seasons of waiting and wondering, "Where is God in the midst of this?"  

We all have our questions; those unanswered 'problems' so it seems, when we wonder if God has forgotten us.  "Has God forgotten to be faithful?" David wrote.  Even the great psalmist walked these roads.    

Tonight I sat through a candelight service, just as I have every other Christmas Eve these past 31 years.  But tonight, something about this, "God with us" Child moved me on a deeper level than ever before, because tonight, I sang "Silent Night" and "O Holy Night" holding a candle with my miracle neice Emma, now 2 1/2 years old.  I watched her hold a candle high and heard her finish the song with a soft whisper: "I love You, Jesus."  After 15 years of praying and waiting, God gave us Emma and that verse sang again in my soul at her birth: 

"Blessed is she that believed,

 for there shall be a performance of those things 

spoken to her of the Lord."

As if that weren't enough, tonight that verse hit a new note, when I didn't only see my sweet Emma beside me in her momma Trudi's arms.  Towering beside me, tall and strong, stood my big brother (the Batman), holding 4 month old Everett, who had just dozed off to sleep as we began to sing, "Silent Night."  Tough Todd and little sister Tara exchanged a glance and a whimpered lip, followed by a silent "Uh huh huh huhhhh..." realizing the precious moment that had just graced us.  In Emma and Evvie tonight, I understood a little bit better what the phrase "above and beyond" means - this gracious, generous God of ours is not only able, but LOVES to give "above and beyond all we could ever ask or imagine."

We were happy with Emma.  We were ELATED with Emma.  After so many years of waiting and wondering, what a miracle she is.  Then the Lord surprised us - oh, He is full of surprises - and He gifted us with this beautiful baby boy named Everett Cash, and somehow through the faces, noises and personalities of these two little children, all of our eyes are turned back upon Jesus.  Through them, we look full into HIS wonderful face, and all these earthly things really do grow strangely dim in the light - the LIGHT - of His glory and grace.  He is so full of grace.

This Christmas, I rest in the grace, the goodness and the greatness of my God, my Friend, my Savior, my Love who has set His heart on me, and I am setting my heart - all over again, as if for the first time - on Him... on HIM.  Grateful for His good gifts, my heart is set back upon the Giver, who knows and cares deeply for me - and for you.

Whatever your question, concern or unknown this holiday season, He is with you and is for you.  He is your Ally and not your enemy.  Seeking Him and His kingdom first, you will find His goodness in this land of the living... and maybe (undoubtedly) a few surprises along the way.  In the meantime, just turn your eyes upon Jesus.  

By His grace, may it be said of you, too: Blessed are you that believed, for there shall be a performance of those things spoken to you of the Lord... in HIS time.  

Remember, "He makes all things beautiful in HIS time..." 

ALL things.

Believing...

TG