I’ve recently been working through a book entitled, Experiencing the Trinity: The Grace of God for the People of God by Joe Thorn. A particular phrase in this book has really caught my attention. This phrase is found in the Introduction of the book on page 17. These words have been constantly running through my mind, as I continue to ask God to help me understand His overwhelming love through His Son, who is ultimate Love, in receiving relief for my anxiety and impatience for what the future holds. The quote reads as follows,
“At times God will delay granting you relief in order to draw you closer to Himself” (Thorn, 17).
Far
Too often we want relief of all things in life, without seeking God in why He is doing a particular work that feels like a trial or difficulty. This forces us to distance ourselves from God because when we want God to act and He doesn’t, we think that God does not care for our needs. This is far beyond the truth. Our heavenly Father indeed cares in supplying all things according to His riches in the glory of Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). God puts forth trials our way, knowing that it will cause unrest in our lives. This is not necessarily a bad thing at all. In fact, God does these things so that we may be weak and in need of Him. But why?
Where ever you are
Because where ever you are, God knows what is best for you. Your purpose is to pursue a relationship with the Son of God, Jesus Christ. The beauty of this is that we can not perfectly pursue Christ. It is Christ who perfectly pursues us. He is always near to us. No matter where we are in our walk, let us rest in the truth that Christ is near. Our relationship with this Perfect Savior is what we will take with us into eternity, while all else will be left behind. If trials and pains are what it takes to draw near to God, then we must understand why God delays in granting us relief at certain times during our lives. He wants us to seek Him in our anxiety, stress, worry, impatience, and pain. When these difficulties come, draw near to God, and receive the majesty of His Son, who is for you.
He is near
In Christ Jesus, we have been given all things. When life hits us hard or we feel as if God is distant, hold fast to the truth of God’s grace in His Son, Jesus Christ. Who indwells you by the Holy Spirit of God. God is never far away from us as He is living inside of us. It is we who distance ourselves from God who is always near. We push Him back due to selfish ambitions and difficulties that come our way. God is near and longs for our nearness with Him. Scripture says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8). This is the truth that we must cling to. God is near to us in Christ Jesus, by the Holy Spirit, who dwells within our very being. Hold on to this truth of grace and remember, “At times God will delay granting you relief in order to draw you closer to Himself” (Thorn, 17).
Dr. Robert Snitko 