“Mirages are things that aren’t really there that you can see very clearly….’How do you see something that isn’t there?’ ‘Sometimes it’s much simpler than seeing things that are’”
–Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth
Distant paradise.
I see it so clearly…a hope, relationship, relocation…the thing that’s going to fulfill my inner longing.
Hope and a future defined by me.
I stretch and reach, attempting to grasp air.
I want this not that.
Reality smudges.
Satan sends the snake.
“Did God actually say….?”
Mangled mirage distorts, contorts God’s truth, His plan.
The lie says it’s not enough.
The lie says God withholds.
I must create and take, eat apart from Him.
Just.
One.
Bite.
Smoke clears, fog lifts, mirage exposed.
False and empty, I realize my mistake.
I want to blame the snake.
Tempted by the tempter, actions betray truth.
I want me and my plan more than God’s.
Exchange truth’s treasure for temporary tin.
Ironically, just like me, God provided all Adam and Eve ever needed.
Whatever fake the snake replicates is already mine.
The lie is apart from God there is more, better, different.
His will and promises are out there somewhere.
Counterfeit never comforts.
In desperation, I look up, confess, repent.
Clenched fists open.
The good Father gives.
Love, grace, mercy.
Forgiveness, salvation, Himself.
I need not grasp and grab.
Rest, abide, trust.
Trust the One who is able.
The One who provides all good things.
I get weary in the wait.
Decide to move forward on my own.
Mirage leads me astray, detours around plans of perfection.
Even in left turns and wanderings, He faithfully corrects and redirects.
Regret wonders where the missed path lead.
When I discover the deception, He gives garments to cover my shame.
Robes of righteousness dipped in His blood.
Faithful Father picks me up, embraces and sets me back on His path.
His Word is the anti-venom.
It tells me I am chosen, forgiven, completely loved.
Promises hope and an eternal future.
Promises to be my strength and shield.
An anchor that withstands any storm.
No matter how far I wander, the Lord is one step back.
He waits with open arms.
The good shepherd who never abandons His flock.
He rescues from trouble, helps me see what I need to see – both truth and deception.
I know His plan is good because He is good and unlike the shady snake, Jesus, the rock, never moves.
Father God, Lord & Master Jesus,
Thank you for the giving and taking away – both are good because you are good. Thank you for your good and perfect plan – your hope and future found in Jesus Christ. Thank you that your Word tells me over and over not to fear. You never lie. You provide. All good things come from you. You work all things for the good of those who love You. You restore what locusts ate away. You are faithful when I am faithless. There’s nothing you can’t accomplish. You make the weak, strong. The foolish wise, the strong weak and the wise, foolish. You engrave my name upon the palm of Your Holy Hand. Thank you, Father. I surrender my will for yours, my plan for Yours. I can’t wait to see what’s next. Thank you that my story isn’t over. In Your Matchless, Holy, Amazing Name, Amen.
