Life is full of challenges.
We all face times when we feel stretched beyond our limits. We wonder, “What is
God doing? Why am I going through this?”
When we are in the middle of these circumstances, we often can’t see their value. We wonder what God has planned. What good can come of a cancer diagnosis, an injury-causing accident, the end of a relationship, the loss of a job, a move to a nursing facility, an unexpected pregnancy?
Mary, the mother of Jesus, knew exactly what THAT last one felt like! Just imagine the questions, the doubts, the disbelief that bombarded her from those around her—the judgment from her friends, the tears of her parents, the look of betrayal in Joseph’s eyes. Why didn’t God let them in on the truth, too? Did Mary know the full extent of God’s plan? Despite this tough time, she kept trusting and acting on faith. It’s what God calls us to do, too—to trust Him even when we don’t understand the whys and hows.
Recently I have become aware of a couple of people I know who are facing just such challenges and ordeals. My dear Aunt Jan will be entering a nursing home tomorrow due to dementia. I have another relative whose grown child is rejecting both God’s and the parent’s influence. A friend discovered her job is being phased out.
Though words fall short and saying, “I’ll be praying for you!” can sound cliché, I know it isn’t. I have looked back and remembered how God has worked in my own life, using illness to increase my compassion for others, lack of control over a circumstance to teach me to trust in the One who has ultimate control, and the loss of something good to bring something even better into my life.
I KNOW God IS at work, even if the ones I am praying for can’t yet see His hand. God has a plan and He is bringing it about in His time.
Be encouraged!
