Leaving Room for God

    In my recent study of Romans 12, I was struck by the phrase, "leave room for God's wrath". I am not feeling particularly wrathful at the moment, but the leader's point that taking vengeance for ourselves means we think God's is not complete enough made me think--do I leave room for God to work? When I decide to be the one to supervise my loved ones' spiritual growth, am I leaving room for what God is trying to do? Do I think the way God is working in their lives is not enough? Not complete enough? Not fast enough? Am I like those people who gather and gawk after an accident, blocking the way of the people who know what to do?
    When Tracy was living with us, we had the opportunity to be the onlookers who bring the warm blanket to keep the injured comfortable until better help arrives, but we had no power to repair the internal damage. That would require skilled help. God's help. The power of addiction is not in the substance, it is in the spirit. So we gave God room to work. The 450 miles between Kalispell and Billings seemed adequate.
    And I am beginning to see what God is doing in his life. Tracy is recognizing the hand of God guiding his circumstances in Billings. He is praying and seeing the answers. When we no longer provided the blanket, he began to see that God was the one looking out for him all along. He thanks us repeatedly for getting him to the place where he can reap the benefits of sobriety and I am glad we were able to help, but the best way we can help now is to continue to stand back and let God do His thing. He has, after all, been pursing prodigals since Eden. Far off to the east, towards Billings, I'm beginning to see Son-light.