You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. Psalm 23:5 NLT

The Lord kept me at a school for 5 years longer than I wanted. Three months into the first semester I felt slammed by attacks on several sides: parents, students, administration.  From my point of view all were unfair and unwarranted. With more than 20 years experiences teaching French, my hurt pride reacted poorly.  I complained a lot to Mike and to God.

Summers, seeking a way out from the pressure, I tried earnestly to find other jobs. But the Lord had his reasons for making me stay put. Thus, each August, I reluctantly returned to my classroom.

But it wasn’t all misery and, by the second year, I started to see the positive. Colleagues embraced me and I started eating lunch with them each day, learning how they approached life. New outdoors adventures, such as practicing survival upside down rotations in a kayak, caused me to cling to Jesus. One year I planned and took students to Québec, witnessing their joy in using the French they had learned. I ‘bombed’ enough French classes, thus acquiring skill and gumption to pivot from ‘failure’ into something creative and effective. Although I didn’t WANT to be at this school, I acknowledge the personal and professional benefits and growth.

But not until this week, while meditating on the 23rd psalm did I understand what God might mean by verse 5 where he promises times of feasting in the presence of enemies.

More valuable than what the Lord gave me through teaching insights, field trips, caring and supportive colleagues emerged from God’s showing himself as more satisfying than pleasant circumstances. Begrudgingly, I started to learn and practice contentment in the midst of suffering.

In the attacks on my person and professionalism, I had no option but to crawl in shame and humility to Jesus’ side. And he turned out to be enough, much more. It really is true that when all you have is Jesus, he is all you need.

So, take comfort in suffering.  Next time you’re in a narrow, dark, tight spot that seems to go on and on, look for the hidden food that will enrich you like at no other time.

And this nourishment is not merely healthy and sufficient as was the manna in the wilderness. No, it’s more akin to that abundant ‘best wine’, reserved for a feast.  Jesus didn’t simply keep the flow of ordinary wedding wine going. Out of love he set up the young bridegroom to be known as a generous and welcome member of his wife’s family and the community.

May we trust our Lord to venture on with him when he leads us through unwanted dark and narrow passages where nothing good looms. Let us believe that he really is good!