A Beautiful Mess

God's faithfulness truly astounds me. I'm so thankful that He is faithful in our unfaithfulness. I love that God knows exactly what He's doing 100% of the time. So often I have moments of confusion and doubt on the best course of action to take or even how to think about something, but God never has a moment like that. He is completely in control at all times. When the world, or our lives, look like a complete mess, God has it under control. And it's beautiful. A beautiful mess.
I have a friend who I've been praying for for years that he would come back to Jesus, and sometimes I get so discouraged about him. But God has been giving me so much peace lately that His timing is absolutely perfect. He will bring my friend to Him in perfect timing. And that's enough for me.
I just finished reading "The Shack" because I wanted to know what all the hype was about and so I could have an educated opinion about it. And I'll be honest, it is a book that I would recommend with caution. I think that it is somewhat presumptuous and I'm not sure I agree with all the theology. However, there were parts of it that were really encouraging to me. So read it. But read it critically and compare everything that "God says" in the book to Scripture. My favorite part of the book is when Mack (the main character) and Sarayu (the Holy Spirit) are in a garden together and Sarayu thanks Mack for his help. Then it goes:
"I didn't do that much, really," he apologized. "I mean, look at this mess." His gaze moved over the garden that surrounded them. "But it really is beautiful, and full of you, Sarayu. Even though it seems like lots of work still needs to be done, I feel strangely at home and comfortable here." Sarayu stepped toward him until she had invaded his personal space. "
And well you should, Mack, because this garden is your soul. This mess is you! Together, you and I, we have been working with a purpose in your heart. And it is wild and beautiful and perfectly in process. To you it seems like a mess, but to me, I see a perfect pattern emerging and growing and alive -- a living fractal."

"Wild and beautiful and perfectly in process." I love that.