Living life as a good person does not guarantee our earthly
success or our place in eternity (Galatians 3:21). Beliefs
founded on humanistic philosophy may change our life and give us temporary
relief, but it does not last for eternity. Only the Word and Will of God are
entirely righteous and true (Psalm 19:9). God is patient with our
unbelief, because He does not want anyone to die in their sin (2 Peter
3:9).
He walks with us through every valley and gives us His joy
as our strength (Psalm 23; Nehemiah 8:10). For instance, after 22
years of marriage, the love of my life decided that he could no longer live
with my Italian emotionalism. A wall of constant misunderstandings stood
between us, so he determined that there was no option for us but divorce. I was
shocked and in disbelief; yet, I did not want to live where I was not loved.
God proved that He has a perfect plan and purpose for us
all (Ephesians 2:10). He led me to relocate and to attend divorce
recovery classes in two different
churches in order to heal from my loss. I learned that God still had plans for
me, which did not include my former husband. One day when I least expected it,
in a crowded Books-a-Million bookstore, I divinely met a pastor whose wife
recently decided to end their union too.
Now, after 20 years of marriage to this wonderful man who
dwells with me with understanding (1 Peter 3:7), I can
see from hindsight that in both of our lives God used these devastating,
negative circumstances for our good (Romans 8:28). In this
new union, we appreciate each other's gifts and character as we serve God
together. We truly cherish one another, even with all of our idiosyncrasies (Ephesians
4:12-16).
Prayer:
Father God, we may be hesitant to put our total faith in
You, but You always prove that Your ways will bring us ultimate fulfillment. We
are so grateful that we can trust You to work out for our good every
circumstance, no matter how devastating it is (Romans 8:28). You help
us to grieve the loss of our relationships, health, wealth and material
possessions. Although, crying may last through many nights, Your joy always
comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).
Thought for the Day:
We can trust in God's ways, even when they do not coincide
with our view of the perfect life, because His ways are always perfect, even
when we experience trials, heartache, loss and devastation.
- Psalm 18:30; 2 Sam 22:31; Deuteronomy 32:4
