God teaches in mysterious ways. I see this every day in my
journey of being a Christian. In the moments where dreams come crashing down,
or a loved one is lost, or life is just topsy-turvy, we all
stand back and ask "why?" It's such a difficult lesson to interpret. I said a prayer;
thanking God for the little patch of heaven he had placed me in, for my family,
and for life's simple goodness.
Our family had gone
to a Church Family Camp last week. While on this trip, I had put my
necklace that I got for my birthday, inside of my computer case, because I was
in a hurry to get in the lake with my sister. Two days after I did this, I went
to grab the necklace, and it was gone! I was very sad because this necklace was
important to me, because I got it from my dad on my birthday. I had only had it
for a couple weeks, and it was gone! Our church camp prayed for me to find it,
but I couldn't. I left my information at the camp, in case the staff found it.
In some cases, I could say that God didn't answer my prayers… and yet, in a way
He did. He may not have led me to the necklace, but He showed me that His grace
is sufficient for me! The things of this world shouldn't matter. Everything
belongs to God!
I remember when our barn burned down
in our backyard. Our chickens climbed right onto the heat lamp, and started a
fire. We weren't home, until the evening, so everything was ruined… such as, a
bunk-bed, antiques, windows, (that were replaced, because they gave us the
wrong ones, but said we could keep the old ones) a chicken, some trees, and all
kinds of other things were burned. Most of them were un-replaceable. So, what
was the good that came out of all of that? We were blessed with money that our
insurance covered for our burned thing. We took that money, and used it for
someone else’s good. What Satan meant for Evil, God meant for good!
But isn't it ironic, that in the moment
you are most peaceful and content with life, it seems God puts you to the
flames again. I've come to see it as admitting we've grown stronger through his
grace; we've proved we can withstand the next purging fire.
"So that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold
that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and
glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." ~1 Peter 1:7~
I've learned one thing: This painful refinement will never stop. Our initial reaction is "why does God give his servants trials? Haven't they proven their faith and determination?"
I've learned one thing: This painful refinement will never stop. Our initial reaction is "why does God give his servants trials? Haven't they proven their faith and determination?"
Yes, they have. This is why the trials still
come; to make us stronger, to make us tougher. The world doesn't see
this. They ask "why would a loving God persecute his people?"
We’re reminded in Romans 8:28, “And
we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those
who are the called according to His purpose.”
Yes, I’m still pretty upset that my
necklace hasn't been found. If it has, someone might have taken it by now.
However, at the same time, I need to realize that a necklace is just a “thing”
of this world. It’s a worldly possession.
It meant a lot to me, but, I've been
realizing that 2nd Corinthians 12:9 says, “And He said to me, “My
grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness…”
We can’t see the big picture. But
Christianity is about faith, not sight. We don't need proof of God's
faithfulness. Because
God upholds his promises.
