In 1987, my parents’ marriage ended in divorce. I was
newly married and had a one-year-old son. Determined to succeed where they had
failed, I began to search and read all kinds of self-help books. Watching the “experts”
on TV became my daily ritual.
I asked myself, “Why was I born? What is the purpose
to life? Is there a God?” God knew my heart and quickly began to answer those
questions. He put three women in my life in one week who introduced me to God
through the Bible. Each in her unique way told me about the Father, Son and
Holy Spirit. I learned that God knew the secret place where I was created, and He
wanted me to be born. I came to recognize Jesus as my Savior. I joined a church
where studying and memorizing the Bible became my greatest joy.
In 1997, a major crisis hit our home. Now I clearly
see that God wanted to teach me more about the plans and purpose He has for my
family. That crisis has actually become a source of encouragement for me, a
real faith-builder that birthed my ministry to women. Most importantly, my
marriage survived, a job was replaced and my young adult children now know
Jesus.
I met a lady recently that had a similar crisis as
mine, but her story unfolded much differently. A divorce, loss of employment -
I feel so sorry for her. She recalls that they were not involved in a church
and her husband would make business deals with no prayer. She said, “Sometimes
we would make a business deal and then ask God, ‘Oh, by the way can you bless
this?’”
Tears of gratitude well up in my eyes remembering
the provision of God for our situation. Thankfully, my 1987 conversion brought
me to a church family who helped us get through our crisis.
With all this reflection, the Holy Spirit has prompted
me to write letters of gratitude to the Godly people who were there for us at just
the right time. I wonder if they need encouragement right now. Does someone come to your mind who has helped
you get through a difficult time? I encourage you to take a moment and jot a
note of thanks right now.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, Thank You! I am convinced that
You helped me to pray, and in answer to those prayers, set many things into
motion to provide for our needs during our time of crisis. Help me to continue
life filled with Your hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
“A faith and knowledge resting on the hope of
eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of
time” (Titus 1:2 NIV).
