EMPTY ROOMS

1 Peter 5:6-11 (NRSV)

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.

_________________________

Jesus said, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you."
- John 14:1-2 (KJV)
_________________________


MY wife and I had experienced problems in our relationship and were separated. The empty rooms of our house echoed the emptiness in my heart. I had tried for many months to seek a better understanding of the issues that led us to this point. Though I saw a good counselor and prayed for reconciliation and understanding, I found no answers. What were the warning signs, the turning points, and the lessons that I had missed? I struggled to understand God's will for our marriage.

Friends said that they were praying for me and my family. I took comfort in their prayers, but I wondered if they were praying for reconciliation and a more meaningful relationship. Or did they pray for our acceptance of the situation or for God's direction in our lives -- whatever that direction might be?

I'm learning to let go of yesterday's circumstances, which I cannot control, and to trust in God. I am more keenly aware of the blessings God provides: Christian friendship, God's love throughout our struggles, and hope for brighter days.

Prayer: Accepting the challenges of life is difficult. Teach us, God, to let go of yesterday and to move toward what you want for us. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
What God wants for us is always good.

-- Bruce W. Bunce (North Carolina, U.S.A.)

PRAYER FOCUS: Couples who have separated