For Good
by Joan Rono
In my second High School year, a while ago, I had to make a choice. My choice was going to affect my future career. I had to choose which subject to continue with, and which subjects to drop, depending on my chosen career. I took time to think, consider, dream and plan and finally made a decision. At that moment it was the perfect decision for me. My hope was that I would put a lot of effort into my studies and that I would eventually fulfil my dreams. That was me then, still very young and unsure. But as the years progressed the course of my life took a different turn!
No matter what, we can’t deny that we’re all affected in one way or another by the choices we make, or that others make. But one thing I realise is ‘all things work for good for those who love the Lord’. There are no wasted years, time or resources. What we go through in life is all an investment. Long after making those choices in High School I look back and see the hand of God in all that I did, though I’m not living the dream I had then. God has used the past experiences to shape me into the person I am today. I can now use some of them to give glory to God.
Maybe you see the present and wonder, “why did I have to do that, or go through that, or experience this”. Don’t fret, because it’s not wasted. God can turn ANYTHING around and use it for His glory. Some tests are the refiner’s fire to purify us, and some are building foundations in us to make us stronger!
For Joseph it must have been a hard time as his dreams of greatness caused him to be a hated brother, despised and rejected. Then he became a slave, and eventually a prisoner. But one thing remained in Joseph’s life. He feared the Lord, and God was with Him in whatever the circumstances he found himself in, working towards his destiny. And, because of God’s grace, he succeeded and found favour even in the prison! ‘And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian’ (Genesis 39:2).
Look back on your life. Does it feel like the journey has been worth it? Do you see God has been with you? If not, ask God to enable you to trust His word that all things work for good for those who love Him.
Prayer: Lord, I realise that You can change any situation in my life and use it for Your glory. Help me to trust You have the best in mind for me. Amen.
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