Life Happens!

Life does not always go according to plan. We experience disappointment, loss, uncertainty, and seasons when it is difficult to understand what God is doing. Yet Romans 8:28 offers a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

At lunch on Sunday this verse was mentioned and it reminded me of my own personal testimony.  This verse does not say that everything that happens is good. Instead, it reminds us that God can work through all things—even difficult circumstances—to accomplish His purposes.

I believed this to be true through the events that I went through the last few years.  I went through a couple of things and looking back, I see what I personally believe was God’s hand on my life!  I understand that my testimony may not be someone else’s experience and I certainly do not know all of the “why’s” of people go through certain things in their life.  But regardless of what we go through, I have learned to look for God’s hand in those situation.

Two short things where I feel God had a hand in my events these last few years.

I grew up in church all of my life, probably cut my teeth on the song books too,  and have heard this scripture over and over again.  I was taught to believe it and I did!  However, I am not sure I ever really meditated on the meaning until I applied it to my own life!

In 2021 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer.  It was discovered in stage one, (which is why it is so important to get your labs done)!  But even though it was caught early, fear took hold of me like I had never felt before.  My father passed away with cancer when I was a teenager.  My brother-in-law passed away with cancer in his 50’s.  I had an uncle pass away at 36 with cancer.  I have experienced loss, but the fear was not necessarily of dying, (although don’t get me wrong, I prayed for my healing!), but while going through it, my fear was all over the place, especially for my family!  Fear had ahold of my heart to the point I could not function.  I would go to bed early at night, couldn’t focus during the day on anything.  I kept it private except for my family.  I knew some people that knew were praying for me and that was a comfort, but I still had that grip of fear in my heart that I could not shake!  I was taking a walk one day with Darla, which we have walked this path numerous times.  And as we were walking, or course my mind was occupied with everything.  We turned the corner and as we were walking I had my head down just walking and thinking, and then out of nowhere, a magazine style pamphlet was laying on the ground.  Not a spec of dirt that I saw on it, big white background with the title in bold black letters that read, “FEAR NOT!  FOR I AM YOUR GOD!” I looked up the verse in Isaiah and although they were not talking about someone with cancer, the principle was the same!  I still went through the surgery and everything worked out for my good, however, I truly believe that God spoke to my heart that day!  I picked up that magazine and it rode with me for a long time in my truck.  I believe just like an earthly father cares for his children and what they are going through, our heavily Fathers cares about what we are going through in this life.  This was a comfort to me.  God dealt with my heart! I cannot tell you how that magazine got where it was.  Someone dropped it, feel out of someone’s hand, or God could have put it there Himself!  But however it got there, I truly believe it was for me to see!  That is my testimony of one of the times in my life where Romans 8:28 became real!   In part two of this little devotional, I will share the second event in which I believe God’s hand was on my life.

The Bigger Picture!

When we cannot see the bigger picture, we can still trust the One who can. Our struggles may not make sense today, but God is never absent from our story. He can use challenges to strengthen our faith, shape our character, and draw us closer to Him.

Romans 8:28 invites us to replace fear with trust. Whatever season you are facing today, remember: God is still working, even when you cannot see it.

Keep trusting. Keep praying. Keep moving forward in faith!

~ Love Dad!