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 they do 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. Even in this, God proved that He always 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 of husband, home, family unit, income, and years of friendships. What looked like a mountain of recovery was leveled (Isaiah 40:4), because I learned to trust God and not people, and to maintain my faith in God’s faithfulness.
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. Now, after 20 years of marriage to this wonderful man, I realize what a husband should be to his wife, one who dwells with her 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 together, we appreciate each other's gifts and character as we continue to serve God in the Pastoral ministry. We truly cherish one another, even with all our idiosyncrasies and failings (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 our good from 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 healing may take some time, Your joy always comes in the morning through a new chapter in our life (Psalm 30:5).
As we trust in You alone, You make a simple person wise, You protect us from temptation, and You keep us from straying from Your protective narrow road (Matthew 6:13). We come boldly to Your throne for mercy and grace because of Jesus’ redemptive work in our life (Hebrews 4:16). We need You, and we thank You for opening our eyes by renewing our spirit to see the wonderful truths in Your Word (Psalm 119:18).
Thought for the Day:
God’s Word is perfect, and all His ways are just and true. We can trust in God's timing and ways, even when they do not coincide with our view of the flawless life, because His ways are always perfect, even when we experience trials, heartache, loss, and devastation.
- Psalm 18:30-36; 2 Samuel 22:31; Deuteronomy 32:4
