Icebergs

By Charlotte Riegel –

I was experiencing a particularly difficult time with a family member. He had gone off the rails several years earlier and I was increasingly moved to pray for this prodigal. It was very difficult to watch him make such a mess of his life. He knew it was in a mess but somehow his eyes were blind to see it was his poor life choices that were at the root of all his ills. Poor financial management left him in a heap of debt. Poor interpersonal skills often were the cause of yet another lost job complicating his need to live independently of his parents. Poor nutritional habits affected his ability to cope.

The Christian teachings he received into his teen years were chucked when the ‘big Santa god’ did not give him what he selfishly asked for. So much talent being wasted. So much unnecessary pain for him and those nearest him.

And he lived under my roof.

I saw a lot more than I wanted to. ‘Out of sight, out of mind’ seemed like a nice option yet I could never bring myself to ‘kick him out’ although some had suggested it. I suffered in silence and prayed, a lot.

One day while walking the streets of my neighborhood in mental anguish, praying for him yet not being quite sure how to pray, I heard God say to me, “Iceberg”.

“What? Iceberg? What’s that about, Lord?” I asked.

“When you look at him you see the tip of the iceberg. I’m at work with all that lies below the surface that you cannot see. Do you trust Me?” came the calm yet hard-hitting response.

After some moments to ponder I replied, “Yes, Lord, I trust You.”

In the following year the iceberg began melting and signs of God’s handiwork became increasingly visible. With each challenge I now quickly acknowledge my trust in God’s activity in the life of this loved one and remember ‘iceberg’. My burden has been lightened by taking my eyes off the tip of it and focusing on the work of the Son.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for Your incredible love for the wanderers, always working to bring home the lost sheep of Your flock even when we see no evidence of Your work in their lives. I desire to increasingly trust You to accomplish Your plans in the lives of my loved ones.

“I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for” (Jeremiah 29:11 GNT).