When we look at life through the lens of our circumstances, we will get it wrong most every time~

God’s providential hand is at work throughout our lives, yet we get bogged down in externals, too focused on what we see and can touch. And sometimes we get so stuck in the muck and mire that we totally miss what He wants to accomplish through us.

When my brother’s wife died in 2021 (she was in her early 50’s), it would have been understandable to blame God. Then just eighteen months later when his son died, how easy it would have been to give up altogether! During such painful seasons turning from the gifts to the giver can feel disloyal.

When Jesus was on this earth, He was a man on a mission staying focused to the reason he came in the first place. So, when he hears that his cousin, John the Baptist, was imprisoned, Jesus didn’t rush to the dungeon. He didn’t picket for his release or even try to get him released. Jesus continued about His Father’s will.

You see, John the Baptist was a fore-runner preparing the way for our Messiah: Jesus. John’s ministry came to an end. Now, each of God’s children are granted a mission with an allotted amount of time. That fixed amount of time must be spent focused on pointing more and more lost souls to the Savior while praying they find the throne of grace (Hebrews 3:1; 4:16).

I am thankful my brother didn’t give up…he continued to run the race even after his first wife’s course was done (1 Corinthians 9:24).

And what’s so awe-inspiring is to watch a believer’s faithfulness rewarded! Through the providential hand of God my brother was given the gift of another wife. His new wife’s birthday (3-11) is the day before his first wife’s (3-12). His new wife came with a son and a daughter and a son-in-law and three grandsons, besides my brother’s daughter and granddaughter giving him more than before (kind of reminds me of the story of Job in the Bible).

We thank God for providentially caring for our brother and blessing him with a vibrant family of souls to love and disciple to the praise of His glory!

Today, what is your story? Never underestimate the power and provision of God!

“This is my story; this is my song! Praising my Savior all the day long!”*

*Blessed Assurance by Fanny Crosby