Get out of God’s way

Posted

2021/05/Matter-of-Faith-image-e1622514040395.jpg

By Jan Davis
PREVIEW Columnist

For years, I prayed for the reconciliation of our family. I pleaded with God and yet we grew further apart; divided by untruths, unjustified anger and jealousy. I assumed false responsibility for all the drama and asked, “What did I do wrong?” Misplaced accountability and guilt caused me to carry the burden for decades. I never stopped asking God to heal the brokenness, but failed to remove myself from the equation.

My false sense of responsibility led to the unhealthy perception I created the mess, and therefore I was the main source of the problem. Nothing was further from the truth.

Two years ago, God nudged Mike and I back to our roots in Oklahoma. We’ve helped our son launch his church and enjoyed being closer to family. While busy with the church’s mission of connecting people to Jesus and each other, something wonderful happened — I stepped out of God’s way.

Over the summer, God exposed the years of deception and lies between brothers and sisters and birthed a time and place for reconciliation and healing. No plans, no manipulation by me, just a home where everyone experienced love. No competition for attention, no selfish motives, but quality time filled with peace, joy and acceptance. As they shared stories, siblings discovered they had more in common than just the same mother.

They opened their hearts, and Jesus began to transform the fragmented pieces. Weekends spent enjoying a cookout or relaxing by the pool healed the rift between them.

Progress continues as we endeavor to listen with receptive ears, forgive often and love always. He is not finished as he works behind the scenes to bring complete restoration. In the meantime, I strive to stay focused on his church and allow him to finish the work he started.

When my focus became more about others and less about me, God operated nearer to home and answered the desperate prayers of this mother’s heart.

“But Esau ran to meet him (Jacob) and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.” — Genesis 33:4.

I love you, but Jesus loves you more!