trbccoffeebreak

“Let him who walks in the dark and has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on His God.” Isaiah 50:10b (NIV)

Many years ago, I had a strange experience while making dinner. As I stood by the stove preparing my meal, I was struck with an overwhelming sense of discouragement. I had longed for a life of purpose, a meaningful job, a blossoming ministry and a chance to make a difference in the world. But in that very moment, it seemed that all I had to show for my life, my efforts, and my dreams were…Beef Tips and Gravy.

How could this be? I had prayed, worked and prepared for so much more. But here I was, parked in a kitchen, just waiting for gravy to thicken. I could not help but wonder if God had forgotten me or if I had done something wrong to deserve being benched like this. There were, after all, so many more important things I could be doing with my life. (And wasn’t this June Cleaver’s job anyway?!)

Now, in the decade that has passed since that memorable meal, I have learned the value of trusting in God’s plans rather than my own. I have embraced the words of Isaiah 50:10 which say it is better to walk in darkness sometimes than to walk by the light of one’s own efforts. I certainly did not want to be in the kitchen stirring gravy that night. But I have learned that Beef Tips and Gravy served with a portion of patience and a side of faith make a great meal in the waiting.

“Father, help us to trust in Your name and to stand in faith when life brings challenges, disappointments, unexpected delays and closed doors. Help us to leave the reigns of our lives in Your hands rather than trying to work out our own plans in our own timing.”

For His Glory

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Women’s Life