It will be almost 30 years ago that
I was lying in the middle of our living room floor just sobbing. There was no
furniture, appliances or any of our stuff in the house. It had only been a few
months earlier when Brenda and I came home from the hospital with our little
Michelle. Matthew was 2 years old and didn’t quite know what to make of this
stranger who was invading his space. Our home was vibrant and full of life. Now
just 2 months later the house is empty and I’m crying out to God "did I
make a mistake?"
Several months earlier, together Brenda and I had responded to God’s calling us to full time ministry. We sensed a desire to be pastors. As part of that call, God would have to help us sell our house. It was 1983 and the economy and mortgage rates were very volatile with the real-estate market reacting accordingly. But our house sold. So the doors were continuing to open. I gave notice atBell Canada Owen Sound
At the time I was in quite an emotional roller coaster. But now I can look back and see it all fitting together and God’s hand of blessing everywhere. A doctor who was the same doctor that delivered me at my birth by emergency c-section, strongly suspected what Brenda’s problem was and proceeded by removing her appendix. We were able to pick up our vacation a couple of days late but non the less we were moving on. Friends and family rallied to support and help us during our trauma. Overall as I consider that time, it was just a bump in the road! One of may yet to come. It taught me to trust God and come what may, the sun will rise tomorrow!
Making big life decisions such as education, marriage, careers, friends, associations and yes even faith; are beyond our scope. Who understands? Who can see where it will lead? Who can predict the outcome? We certainly cannot answer any of these questions. But I believe that in the end, it will still all work out. The Bible says in Romans 8:28 "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."
As we reflect on many decisions of the past; we may feel that we erred and carry regret. But my belief and the Bible confirms that it will all work out for our good in the end. If we are turned toward God and love Him; He will not turn us away. He is a loving Father and He will help us. Romans 8:28 is a promise to God’s people, not that everything that comes your way in life will be good but rather that everything will work out for good. Notice the difference. I know it’s hard to believe when you face hardships, illness or some other catastrophe. But we will not grow strong and mature when every thing that life throws at us is a breeze and sunshine. It’s through enduring the storms of life that we change and become strong.
Perhaps you do have regrets. If you could, you would go back and do it differently. But let me say this; you do not know what the future holds. But the one who holds the future knows and He knows you. The plans that are in store for you may surprise you in how your past experiences and decisions (good or bad) all fit together. Let go. Live your life. Move forward and make the best of what you have and make the best decisions you can at the time.
This is just for YOU!
DAD.
Several months earlier, together Brenda and I had responded to God’s calling us to full time ministry. We sensed a desire to be pastors. As part of that call, God would have to help us sell our house. It was 1983 and the economy and mortgage rates were very volatile with the real-estate market reacting accordingly. But our house sold. So the doors were continuing to open. I gave notice at
At the time I was in quite an emotional roller coaster. But now I can look back and see it all fitting together and God’s hand of blessing everywhere. A doctor who was the same doctor that delivered me at my birth by emergency c-section, strongly suspected what Brenda’s problem was and proceeded by removing her appendix. We were able to pick up our vacation a couple of days late but non the less we were moving on. Friends and family rallied to support and help us during our trauma. Overall as I consider that time, it was just a bump in the road! One of may yet to come. It taught me to trust God and come what may, the sun will rise tomorrow!
Making big life decisions such as education, marriage, careers, friends, associations and yes even faith; are beyond our scope. Who understands? Who can see where it will lead? Who can predict the outcome? We certainly cannot answer any of these questions. But I believe that in the end, it will still all work out. The Bible says in Romans 8:28 "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."
As we reflect on many decisions of the past; we may feel that we erred and carry regret. But my belief and the Bible confirms that it will all work out for our good in the end. If we are turned toward God and love Him; He will not turn us away. He is a loving Father and He will help us. Romans 8:28 is a promise to God’s people, not that everything that comes your way in life will be good but rather that everything will work out for good. Notice the difference. I know it’s hard to believe when you face hardships, illness or some other catastrophe. But we will not grow strong and mature when every thing that life throws at us is a breeze and sunshine. It’s through enduring the storms of life that we change and become strong.
Perhaps you do have regrets. If you could, you would go back and do it differently. But let me say this; you do not know what the future holds. But the one who holds the future knows and He knows you. The plans that are in store for you may surprise you in how your past experiences and decisions (good or bad) all fit together. Let go. Live your life. Move forward and make the best of what you have and make the best decisions you can at the time.
This is just for YOU!
DAD.
