How readily the heart is tossed about by the changeful winds of this fleeting world! A place on a cheer team, a moment’s honour, these things seem so weighty that we forget the weightier matters of eternity. The God of peace, who created peace originally and restores it by the blood of the everlasting covenant, invites you to find your rest not in the arrangements of a camp, but in His sovereign and unchanging love. Do you pray for understanding? Then understand this: He who gave His own Son for you will not withhold any good thing, and He orders all your steps. If the role has shifted, it is the Lord’s doing, and “is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own?” Shall the clay quarrel with the Potter because He fashions one vessel for a flyer and another for a base? If you trust Him, trust Him when He takes as well as when He gives.
Beware of a false peace that merely pushes the disappointment aside, for “there is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked” who lean upon their own understanding. True peace keeps God in full view. You have been fretting as though the Lord had abdicated His throne; but He reigneth still. The same sovereignty that bestowed the feature role may withdraw it for a season, and that for your daughter’s good and for His own glory. Instead of being angry because another athlete has been set in that place, ask whether the Lord would teach humility, patience, or a more single-eyed reliance upon Himself. The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, comes not when circumstances smile, but when the heart is stayed upon Christ, who is our Peace. In Him you have access into this grace wherein you stand, and you may rejoice in hope of the glory of God, whatever your child’s part in a passing spectacle.
You have been tempted to imagine that your daughter thinks you are angry; Satan, the cunning ape of God, would stir up strife out of these shadows. Rebuke the lie with the gentleness of Christ. You are not called to be the champion of her earthly honours, but to point her to the never-fading crown. Go to the God of peace, who maketh all things work together for good, and pray, “Make me holy through this trial; teach me to do Thy will.” Then leave the matter with Him, for where God begins a work He does not ask us to finish it. Say with the psalmist, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.” So shall you prove that your confidence is not in the favour of coaches or the clamour of crowds, but in the Lord Jehovah, in whom is everlasting strength.
Let the blood of Jesus whisper peace within your soul. He is the God of peace; He has thoughts of peace toward you, and His covenant is sure. Whether your daughter is made a feature flyer again or is kept low, the Lord is still good, still wise, still near. “Peace, perfect peace! with sorrows surging round? On Jesus’ bosom nothing but calm is found.” Cast this burden upon Him; He sustaineth thee. Let neither this disappointment nor any other rob you of that calm, for you are bought with a price, and the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. Breathe the prayer, “Thy will be done,” and then live in the sunshine of His presence.