He's Working Everything For Our Good

Holy Week in The Holy City. A few moments of each day I forgot what a surreal experience this was. The majority of time, though, I remembered with such awe.It was Easter Saturday. Christ would have died and been buried the previous day.My husband and I were actually standing in line at The Church of The Holy Sepulchre, in Jerusalem, waiting to touch what is believed to be Christ's tomb.As we stood there, I noticed a few people who were breaking the line. And then a few more. And a few more.I confess, I sometimes believe I missed my calling in life. I should have been a traffic officer or judge. I'm really good at it. Injustice, especially when it's carried out on the interstate or in lines, really brings out the worst in me. "How can people be so selfish that they don't think they should have to wait in line?", I asked my husband.And I pondered the irony of my thoughts.Anticipating a very holy experience, I was reminded of His amazing grace that was so freely given to me on the cross. Yet, I could not extend grace to the people who werecutting in front of us?I thought about relaxing and trusting that God was in control, but that seemed too rational. These people shouldn't break the line and just get away with it, I told myself.As it turned out, we waited for almost two hours. When it was finally our turn, the priest stuck his hand in front of me and told me to wait. They started scurrying about putting up barricades and rolling out a large carpet. We heard the word "procession" in English. After several minutes of preparation, we "just happened to be" in the perfect spot to witness this incredible procession of priests carrying banners and crosses around the shrine.We felt so highly favored to be in this exact spot in line.How did we get here at just the right time, I thought.And I heard God whisper in my heart, "this is what I had for you. And this is why so many people needed to be in front of you in line. And remember this lesson the next time you're tempted to not trust that I am always working on your behalf."And we know that God causes all things to work together for good, to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.- Romans 8.28