I needed to invite God in.
When I received the news of my brother-in-law’s passing, I was devastated for me, our family, his immediate family, and my sister.
As I watched them lovingly exchange their vows on their wedding day, never could I have imagined this outcome. I thought, God, why did it have to end like this?
After reminding myself to return to the Bible—the blueprint for us to navigate all the seasons of life—I came across this verse: I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. These words reminded me that our loving God never planned for us to experience loss, tragedy, pain, and suffering. Instead, these things came when sin entered the world. Likewise, these words reminded me that all the love and joy my sister and brother-in-law experienced was God’s incredible act of love toward them despite living in this fallen world.
As I renewed my mind, I gained a new perspective. Even in a world filled with tragedy, trouble, despair, and challenges, God makes room for us to have moments of love, peace, and countless blessings. He also allows us to experience permanent joy and peace in eternity when we accept Jesus as our Savior.
We are never left hopeless if we consistently and purposely bring God into every circumstance. Just as God’s potential was realized in my sister’s marriage, God’s potential can be experienced in loss and adversity when we bring Him into the center of it.
No one enjoys loss or pain, but we will experience troubles in some form. The goal is not to fall into a fatalistic mindset that makes us feel our efforts are useless. Rather, we hope to remain even more committed to being good stewards and caretakers of all God has blessed us with. A further goal entails opening our hearts and inviting God in when loss or challenges come so that He may help us, guide us, and sustain us.
How can you invite God into your troubling times?
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Ann Anaebere-Aneke is a registered nurse and founding member of The Omenala Service Learning Collaborative (OSLC) Writers Group, which seeks to provide health ministry through inspirational texts, articles, and other written resources. She lives with her husband and children in Texas. To learn more about the OSLC Writers Group and their family service club, please visit, www.omenalaservice.weebly.com.