Are God's consolations not enough for you, words spoken gently to you? (Job 15:11) (NIV)
A forty-something woman came trembling after I preached in Pakistan. “I had a daughter fourteen years ago, but never any boy. I am useless.” Tears streamed down her coffee-toned cheeks from under her pink shawl.
Pakistani culture dictated that she produce a male heir for her family. The poor soul had convinced herself that some great curse was on her. Her body convulsed as she pressed her palms together and begged for prayer to conceive a boy.
As I sought help from the Holy Spirit, I found myself in a difficult position. This dear sister needed to let go of her obsession with a boy and find fulfillment in Jesus. I passed a note in Urdu with the verse from Job about God’s consultations. It was a hard message, but the condition of that precious woman’s heart was more important than the fruit of her womb.
I am often a sharp knife when ministering God’s truth to others and a dull mallet when applying it to my faults. After we helped the Pakistani, Jesus worked on my heart.
“Is my love enough to make you let go of lesser blessings?”
I held secret dissatisfaction with certain cards life had dealt me. By my attitude, I had said to the lover of my soul that I wanted, that I deserved, more than him. I wanted Jesus plus an easy life, Jesus with a bit of popularity, Jesus and some fun mixed in. The consolations of Christ had not been enough for me.
I sorely needed to listen to my preaching because the condition of my heart is more important than the fruit of the world.
Prayer: Lord, I have been a fool with your love. It is enough.