Mending My Torn Trousers

Last week, I found a previously torn part of my trousers nicely sewn up. I did not have to check with my mother to know that she must have sewn it back for me. Who else at home would do this for me? Don’t mothers silently work behind the scenes, making sure our needs are met? I was not even aware of the exact time when she mended the tear for me!

Sometimes, God works in the same mysterious way.

Joseph was sold to Egypt by his brothers, and later slandered and put into prison. He was forgotten by his brothers, forgotten by the chief butler for two years and even seemed to be forgotten by God. Only later, when he became prime minister of Egypt, he realized that God had been silently working all along. Joseph then knew that “God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive” (Gen 50:20).

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you.” (Isa 49:15)

When things get broken, or our trousers get torn, we wonder what God has been doing all the while. Isn’t He supposed to mend our broken pieces? In fact, we might continue to live our lives feeling torn and broken, thinking that God has forgotten us.

Then one day, we discover the torn part nicely sewn up and we wonder, “When did this happen?” Things start to fall into place nicely and we realize that God has never forgotten us. We are always remembered.

Just as my mother had quietly mended my torn trousers for me, God quietly works in our lives too—simply because He loves us. We need to believe in His goodness and trust that God will not withhold any good thing from those who seek Him.

“We know that all things work together for good to those who love God …” (Rom 8:28).

 

Reflection:

1) What are the torn trousers in your life?

2) How has God been working in your life while you were unaware or while you felt forgotten?