Robert Merrill, opera singer and actor, worked in summer stock in the role of Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof." One night, according to the script, he was imploring God to give him a replacement for his horse which was old and had lost a shoe. At that very moment, a stray dog wandered onto the stage. The audience held its breath, wondering how the actor would handle the interruption. Merrill didn't even miss a beat. He looked up to heaven and said fervently, "Oh God, please try again!"
The situation was hilarious, but it's not too funny when we do that in real life. We ask God for something we want: a new job, a change of attitude in our spouse, a better relationship with someone, or an end to money problems. The list is as long as our imagination.
Then God sends His answer and it looks like the wrong one. He doesn't give us exactly what we want, or even close. It doesn't match up to our expectations. So we look up to heaven and say, "Oh God, please try again!" And we are serious, because this time it's not funny.
It takes time and experience to learn that God always has a perfect plan for our lives. What seems like a mistake becomes a perfect choice as we look back later. We must, however, look at life with eyes focused on more than just the exact things we want. We fit into a much larger picture of this world than we think.
A familiar hymn says, "God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform." What mysterious ways has God worked for good in your life recently? Are you looking for His eternal good in it, or merely your idea of what is good?
Have you wanted to ask Him to try again? As it snows here today on May 13, I am tempted, but I know He has His reasons. So......
Thank You, God, for the snow that's falling outside my window.
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