Often the things I write about are things I question — things I struggle with. Here is one such example. The Tale of Two Lawnmowers. A true story.
Once there were two neighbors who, getting ready for the first grass cutting of Spring, got their lawnmowers out. They both cranked hard on the string, but nothing. They cranked and fiddled and cranked again and notta. They both whispered a prayer for their mowers to start. One neighbor cranked one last time and her mower roared to life. She told her friends and was so thankful God cared and heard even her small prayer. The other neighbor cranked hers one last time and the mower remained silent. After much family discussion, a trip to Lowe’s for a new mower ensued.
Now as I said, this is a true story, happening on exactly the same day. So what is to be made of it?
Talking to a friend at work, I was blown away by her insight on India during this COVID crisis. Here in our neck of the woods, we still have groceries. We still have takeout from our favorite restaurants. But in India? People are hungry. Dying from, not COVID, but starvation. Her family members are risking their lives by making big pots of soup and walking the crowded streets feeding people. I can’t imagine.
Does our God turn away from millions of people, choosing to listen to only a few? A mom in her battle with breast cancer? A parent’s prayer for food for their child?
I struggle with these thoughts. I suppose like Martha, even after all these years, I am still saying, “Jesus, if you’d been there my Daddy wouldn’t have died.”
I believe in prayer. I believe in praise. I believe in thankfulness. But the Tale of Two Lawnmowers? I don’t know.
The story of David praying and weeping and fasting for God to spare his son is interesting to me.
Because God didn’t do it.
And when David found out God didn’t do it, he didn’t lose his faith. He didn’t lose his belief. The Bible says David got up and worshipped. Pretty amazing!
“I know you’re able and I know you can save through the fire with your mighty hand, but even if you don’t. My hope is you alone. I know the sorrow and I know the hurt would all go away if you just said the word, but even if you don’t, my hope is you alone.” (Mercy Me)
In conclusion, the Tale of Two Lawnmowers leaves me at a loss. There are so many ways to spin the tale, many conclusions to be made, many “morals of the story.”
But I do know this! Like David, I don’t want to lose my faith and belief. I don’t want to lose my hope. Even when God doesn’t remove the hurt. Even when I don’t understand the deep suffering of humanity. I want to worship when He starts my mower and even when He doesn’t.