God’s Purposes

“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” (Romans 8:28).

Almost 24 years old, I could still do a few things for myself, but every fibre of my being yearned for healing. My life seemed obscure and useless. No one had discovered what condition I had, but I grew progressively weaker. Why would God create a beautiful body like mine and then go about breaking it? Humiliation was added to this helplessness because I had nothing left to eat. Due to a family crisis, my mother had no time to farm or to regularly bring me food at school. I sat in class dazed with hunger, unable to do anything but cry.

I thought that faith in Christ would make my life better, not strengthen me to trust God through affliction. I expected healing, not acceptance. Then a friend shared with me the book Joni and I was introduced to a spirited teenager who lost her independence and dreams, along with the use of her limbs, in a diving accident. Although I still had some use of my limbs, I already felt that it was impossible to go on with life this way. I couldn’t imagine how anyone could live as a quadriplegic.

As I read her story, one difference stood out. Joni had resigned herself to her Creator’s will. She trusted good to come out of the gloom and despair, letting God write her story. She conspicuously quoted from Romans 8:28 in her book: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.” Our stories, though set thousands of miles and many years apart, seemed to have been written by the same Author. Her story birthed in me a desire to find out what good could come out of my pain. Reading Joni’s story I found love and purpose. In a simple prayer I surrendered my will to God as she had done.

Reflection

Are there things in your life that seem unbearable? What are the things that tempt you to despair? Read Romans 8:18-28 again and prayerfully ask the Spirit to give you the courage to believe that God will work his purposes through them for good.