“When life doesn’t work out like we planned, we can respond fear-filled or faith-filled.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 24, 2024
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
When I married in 2014, something happened to me I never thought would—and at one time I adamantly opposed: I became a bonus mom to five grown children. Yes, five!
Although each of my bonus kids are simply wonderful, blending families can sometimes be messy because it’s not God’s plan for infidelity, abandonment, abuse, or addictions to ruin marriages. His will is one man, for one woman, for life.
But praise God, He is always at work to bring healing and redemption to that which has been broken—including families!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
I have to admit that like many bonus moms, there have been moments I have felt insecure, when my feelings have gotten hurt, and I have doubted I will ever truly belong.
Thankfully the Lord has revealed to me that in difficult times, I have an opportunity: I can become a woman who trusts Him more fully, and relies on Him more faithfully. I have the opportunity to practice patience, and grace, and I have an awesome opportunity to love more amazing family members than ever before.
When life doesn’t work out like we plan, we all have the opportunity to respond in ways that are faith-filled or filled with unbelief. We can pitch a spiritual fit, or we can give in to God. We can scream, “My life was not supposed to be this way!” or we can ask, “Lord, how can I become more like you?” We can be victims or victors. We can languish in self-defeat or we can ask God what He wants us to learn, and how He wants to use us. We have two choices: trust or torment.
In the messy places when life doesn’t work out like we plan, we discover what we truly believe. Do I believe or am I just giving my faith lip service? Do I trust God? Am I convinced He is faithful and can work in any circumstance, not just in the plans I have made for a picture-perfect life? Do I truly believe that He is redemptive—and can redeem all things?
May you be encouraged today that He is at work in your life, no matter how messy it sometimes feels.
“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
Prayer
Lord, I praise you that there is no circumstance or mess that you cannot redeem. You are always at work to bring good out of bad. How awesome is that!? Thank you, Lord.
Application
What opportunities do you have, not in spite of what has happened in your life, but because of what has happened in your life?
Related Reading
Psalm 56:9; Isaiah 8:10; 1 Kings 8:57
Worship Resource
Melody Noel and William Matthews: I Am
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