My Memorial Candle
by Cindy Allen
When the children of Israel crossed over the Jordan river, God instructed Joshua to have 12 men gather stones from the middle of the river and build a memorial to the event on the other side. When people questioned the stones, they were instructed to tell them of the wonderous thing God had done here.
I have a memorial in my life. It is not near as grand as a stone monument but it reminds me of a specific prayer God answered at a time I really needed an answer. It is a gold birthday candle and I have had it for 20 or 25 years. Way back when, I taught a lesson on prayer and I really don’t remember the lesson or what the candle had to do with it. But we prayed and God heard my prayer and answered it in a way that caused something good to happen at my church and in my life. So, I held on to that candle as a reminder.
Tonight, I was sitting at my desk praying and I saw that candle. My prayer was very heavy; I have a big burden I really need God to fix. I have prayed this same request for almost a year. I have friends who are praying with me. Despite all of this, God has not “fixed” my problem. He is answering my prayer with the ever frustrating “wait”.
I don’t know how long that candle has been on my desk but tonight, of all nights, it caught my attention. Tonight, when I was able to tell God he was enough even if my problem did not turn out the way I want it to. Tonight, when I feel like he has given me words that need to be spoken into the situation and I am going to speak; and I feel a peace about that. Tonight, I really noticed the candle. It kind of resembles how I feel about this situation. It is a little bent, a little scraped up, a little worn. But as I held my little candle, that 20–25-year-old candle, I was reminded that God is faithful and just and loving. He hears my prayers and he answers them. Not always the way I want it answered but always for good.
My friends and I discussed this just last week. God’s good doesn’t always feel good. But we view good through human, earthly eyes. He views good through perfection, through the lens of drawing me closer to him, molding me in the image of Christ. I heard a quote just yesterday from a woman who grew up in an Amish household. She said, “Early in my life I thought life was good and God was harsh. But I have come to realized life is hard but God is good.” Tonight, I feel like that peace has settled into my heart.
I pray my problem comes to a good end. But tonight, I am reminded, more than a yes to a human, earthly prayer, what we truly need is to see the faithfulness of God. He isn’t missing in the no and wait answers to our prayers; he is still there. He is ALWAYS there. We are never promised ease of life; in fact, Jesus promises quite the opposite. But we are promised God “will never leave us nor forsake us.” And do you know who he made that specific promise to? Joshua. Right before he led the people into the Promised Land, across the Jordan River.
Maybe you need to look around for a monument in your life. It may be something tangible, like my candle, or it may just be a memory. If it is a memory, write it down and put in your Bible. In a way only God can work, it will probably show up again at just the right time, to serve as a memorial to God’s faithfulness. And when it does, do what God told the Children of Israel to do, let others know the mighty work God has done.
Prayer: Lord so many have heavy hearts for so many reasons. Satan is working overtime to create chaos in the beauty you created. Help us, help me, to trust you. To look to you for answers but also for faith and growth and peace. Lord as we wait, help us to be reminded of your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture Reading: Joshua 4; Psalm 36; II Timothy 2:1-13
Response: Thank God for answered prayers and ask him to give you the faith to truly believe he still can and will work for your good. If you see a brother or sister struggling, share your experience with them.
