The Never Ending Gifts

My husband calls me Nancy Drew because it seems I’m always putting clues together. If I start a jigsaw puzzle, I can’t leave it alone until the last piece is in place. When I encounter a problem in life, my brain won’t rest until I can make sense of it and formulate a solution, which too often happens in the middle of the night.

Right now I know several families who are in extremely difficult situations. They have health issues with no cure in sight, and finances that don’t add up—thanks to this current economic crisis. I’d like to help, but no matter how hard my brain works, I see no easy solutions. My heart can only ache for them.

This week I’m camping on the word know in my summer meditation verse, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28, emphasis added). It’s interesting to note Paul didn’t say “we think,” or even “we believe.” He said with certainly that we know God works for good.

Can I also say with certainty that I know God is working to bring good out of my friends’ circumstances, even though I don’t see how? I’m giving it a try. When I stretch my mind to say with conviction, “I know God has their best in mind, and is working to bring his ultimate good” my heart eases and my vision clears. Then hope rises, along with newfound strength and anticipation.

Now I feel compelled to pray for them, eager to join with God in what he’s doing. I also ask God to tell me, in his timing, what part I can play to help. Suddenly I see I’m already helping by praying, and I feel confident God will open opportunities for me to do more if I can.

When my focus shifts to God and his plan, my mind can rest knowing he will put the pieces together more beautifully than I could ever imagine. My frustration turns to excitement as I wait in joyful expectation to see the great things God will do.