Several years ago my mom gave me George MacDonald's book The Minister's Restoration as a Christmas gift. I remember attempting to read it soon after I received it and just wasn't in the mood for the Scottish dialogue, so I didn't get past the first chapter. A few nights ago, feeling the need to escape into a book, I picked it up. An "escape" it most certainly was not, as I found to my discomfort that the subject matter of the book hit a little too close to home! To be honest, I didn't want to read it, but something urged me to continue. I finished it last night, just before 1AM, and although it was not a particularly enjoyable book to read, in the light of the present circumstances, it was in the end an encouraging book.
The title character was a man whose entire life was a lie. He had attempted to live a religious life without a relationship with God and without dealing with his own sin. His life was void of repentance and the consequences spread to others. BUT GOD (throughout Scripture this is one of the most powerful phrases, two simple words which produce phenomenal results). God did not allow him to run from his sin forever. Eventually, he was brought face to face with his own depravity and surrendered to the Loving and Merciful Father Who alone can bring restoration. Only then could God use him to accomplish His purpose on the earth.
Just as God's timing in my reading of this book was perfect, His timing in bringing those I love to a point of repentance is perfect as well. He does have a purpose for what is happening in their lives and He will use it for their good and His glory. God does not change, He's been in this business for thousands of years! I think He knows what He's doing. |
