Meanwhile

Sometimes situations hit us like an ominous storm. We’re thrust into a tornado of despair and whirling grief. Hopelessness suffocates our faith. The aftermath leaves us with little more than the debris of brokenness. But meanwhile, a God who cares about every hair on our head is working not only to bring us through the storm, but help us land in a better place. Like Jacob.

Jacob had just heard the news that his son, Joseph, was killed and devoured by a wild animal. His other sons had presented him with Joseph’s distinctive robe (deceptively dipped in goat’s blood) to cover their dastardly deed of selling him to a traveling band of Midianites. Overcome with sorrow, Jacob put on sackcloth and grieved deeply, refusing “to be comforted,” declaring he would go to his grave in mourning. (Genesis 37:35)

Then comes the meanwhile.

Unknown to Jacob, his son was alive, serving in Pharaoh’s household. Unknown to Jacob, the foundation of a nation was being laid. Unknown to Jacob, before he took his last breath he would once again embrace his beloved son. Behind the scenes, a force greater than the “seen” was at work to transform what was intended for harm into good. All of that in the meanwhile.

Do you know there are meanwhiles in your life? When the “seen” threatens to encroach on the “unseen” reality of faith, remember God always works a meanwhile to turn the tide. Often, the most painful parts of life lie surprisingly close to the most sublime. Our vision is limited and often distorted by the pain we experience. Whatever difficulty you may be facing today, resist the natural tendency to think that what you “see” is all there is.

Be assured, although presently unknown to you, there is a meanwhile.

Father God, thank you for giving us the strength to wait and the faith to believe you are always working behind the scenes for our good.

Throughout the Day: Refuse to let your mind speculate on all the potential negative outcomes from any difficulty you are facing. Instead choose to put your faith in the God of meanwhiles.