The worship band had just finished playing when Gary gave Bella the nod to go ahead. She stepped up to the microphone, greeted the congregation, and began to share a testimony. For seven years she and her biological father were estranged and it grieved her deeply. Although she knows God in heaven is her father, she still missed her biological father and wanted him in her life. She needed healing. She never went into the details of what happened; only that she called her mother asking for her father's phone number and made the call. It was her courage to reach out in love and forgiveness that made the difference. He talked to her and now they are reconciled.
Why seven years? Why did I so easily toss my earring away after a matter of months and almost my faith in God's willingness to heal and bring reconciliation? Perhaps because I know there are stories that don't end so well. Some try for years reaching out and there is no happy ending when the person finally passes onto eternity.
Last night, I confessed I had little to no hope and that God would need to help my unbelief. Today, I discovered there were many experiencing those very same feelings when so many stood for prayer. Bella's testimony and the verses from Hebrews 10:35-6 about not throwing away one's confidence resonated with at least half the congregation, if not more. We are all tempted to give up and give in because things don't happen when and how we think they should or would.
In conclusion, it remains to be seen what will come in 2011, as we have only just begun. Yet I do believe there is something to be said for not throwing away one's confidence and only matching earring too soon, which is a whole lot more than I could say last night.
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