Romans 8: 28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for good to those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." I first came across this verse when I was put on bedrest with Gracie. Now, it is a song on one her CDs and we often sing it together. Listening to her music is definitely helping me memorize scripture!
This has been a recurring message that keeps coming my way. Once again, this message hit home in a sermon today. One of our elders posed this question to us: What expectations do we have of God? When we become Christians do we expect the road to be easy? Do we expect that God should only give us good things and our desires? I know I used to expect this. Sometimes I still do. So when bad things happen, we often become angry and confused. We ask why when we should be asking what. What can I do in this situation and for what purpose has God allowed this to happen. After all, we are here for him, not for ourselves. I believe God speaks to us more during trials in our life than he does during the blessings. When we start asking what instead of why, our heart and perspective change. The bad things are still there, but our eyes are opened to so many more possibilities.
So when I was put on bedrest for two months with Gracie, I was devastated. I asked why instead of what. But when I came across Romans 8:28, it gave me courage to resign from my teaching job. And that decision has completely altered my path in life. I am now on a path that I never thought I'd be on--in Arizona raising two girls and wanting to homeschool. I never would have guessed that 3 1/2 years ago! But I am so thankful that God took a situation that was scary and unwanted and turned it into something different than I expected.
Favorite Moments
Gracie and me--Going to church, talking with family