"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." - Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
Last year, I lost everything. I lost my vehicle, my apartment, my bank account, and my job. Within a period of 3 months, I was living with a relative and looking for a job. At first, I was very resentful toward God because it didn't make any sense. I worked so hard to finally achieve something in my life, and then it gets taken away in one broad stroke. It was also more than humbling to ask people for help and for them to tell you no ... even close relatives and friends. For the first time in my life, it was just me and God. Thankfully, my Cousin stepped up to the plate and offered to give me a place to stay until I could get on my feet. It was a blessing to have her do this for me. She was the only person that came forward to help.
At first, I was a bit uncomfortable. I didn't know how this was going to work out. Her and her Husband were beginning to have problems shortly before I got there. And although there house was big, I wondered if it was big enough. I also had to rebuild my life and didn't know if I could deal with everything at once. One thing that I have learned, though, is that God always has a bigger plan and purpose.
My cousin gave me all of the space I needed and all of the moral support that she could offer. She unselfishly took me back and forth to my new job and fed me without a second thought. I owed her much more than the money that I was able to give her.
During my stay there, I was often the impartial observer, friend, and referee ... but most of all, I was their own personal Pastor. I had been the one that introduced them 19 years before and wanted to do whatever I could to help them and to keep them in tune with God. I listened many times as they tearfully told me things that had gone unconfessed for years, and expressed their commitment to staying together due to their love for each other and for the good of their son. There were also many times that I was able to comfort a frightened 12 year old as he came to me in tears, fearful that his parents were going to get a divorce. In helping them to keep their faith in God, they helped rebuild mine. I wouldn't trade my time with them for anything.
Over the last year, I have slowly rebuilt what I have lost. I now have a vehicle again, that was given to me by a member of the Church. I have a job that is much better than the one that I lost. I also have a great apartment that is half the cost of the one I left. Although I couldn't envision it in the beginning, God has truly brought me through the rain and blessed me in the process.
I know now that although things looked pretty bleak, that God had a greater plan for me. God placed me where He needed me, the whole time teaching me about faith and trust in Him. He also brought me and my Cousin, along with her Husband, into a much closer friendship with each other. I have no doubt that God's hand was on my life every step of the way.
No matter what you are going through, always put your faith and trust in the Lord. When the skies darken and the storm clouds roll in, Praise the Lord anyway because "all things work together for good...". There is a purpose to everything that comes up in our lives. Place all your cares on Him and He will part those clouds with His love.
Turn to God, and He will take you places and teach you wonderful things that you can't even imagine.
No comments:
Post a Comment