“God, please fix this!”

How many times have I cried out this prayer? When life throws me curveballs, when unexpected circumstances arise, or when tragedy strikes, I find myself pleading to God to just make the situation better. In my desperation, I am anxious for God to take away my pain, fix my problems, and make everything right.

Never had I prayed this more fervently than when our oldest daughter hit her junior year of high school. She was struggling so much, and in her internal battles, she was turning to unhealthy ways to cope. This was leading to a lot of conflict at our house, and we were completely confused about how to help her. All of our usual parenting tactics were failing miserably. We then had turned to counselors, treatment centers, and mental health professionals. No luck. We had tried everything we could think of, but nothing was helping. 

One cool spring evening Mike and I sat on our back deck with the pastor of the church we were attending at the time. We were hoping and praying he would have some answers for us – some helpful advice, something we hadn’t thought of yet. We were hoping that he would know how to “fix” our situation. 

After we caught him up to speed on what was going on, we looked at him intently, waiting for the wise advice from this respected man of God. His words caught us off guard.

“What if the answer is not for God to fix everything? What if He is trying to work on YOU through this situation?”

This was not what we had been hoping to hear. But it turned our entire perspective upside down. Because sometimes things happen in life that are beyond our control. And sometimes it is our own sanctification that God is concerned about. 

Sanctification – the process of God making me holy. The sharpening and molding of my character. Something that doesn’t necessarily take place when everything is going smoothly. But when life is hard, opportunities arise! In this situation, I had a chance to work on a few things. Like:

Instead of getting intense in heated moments, remaining self-controlled and calm. Instead of impulsively reacting, being prayerful and patient. Instead of taking out my frustration on people around me, practicing humility and unity. Instead of complaining about my situation, looking at my blessings and focusing on gratitude. Instead of holding on to grudges and wrongdoings, exercising forgiveness. Instead of constantly being worried and anxious, casting my cares on God.

These opportunities and many more were hitting me square in the face on a daily basis. So many chances to work on my character! More than enough, God!

But to sanctify something is to make it fit for a holy purpose. God’s plan for the life of a Christian is to use us, and in order to do that, he must prepare us. As we become sanctified, we live according to God’s design and purpose. What a beautiful goal, but one that does not come easily. 

Throughout those days, and even now, I battle to remember this perspective. Just this past week I was caught up in conflict with my husband, furious that he wouldn’t see things my way, and praying for God to fix that! I had to remind myself to step back and think, What would you have me learn in this, Lord? How are you calling me to become more holy? Till the day when I am finally glorified, God is always working on my heart.

Lord, continue to work on me, to make me holy, to help me be more like you. Help me see hard circumstances as a way to grow in grace. 

“Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”     Philippians 1:6