We’d only been married a few months when my airplane mechanic husband was laid off from his job at Miami International Airport. Talk about bad timing! And having just moved from Jamaica with no work visa, I was also unemployed. “Really God,” were my first words. But Steve’s first words were baffling to me. He said, “Honey, I was looking for a job when I found this one. God will provide.” Was he intoxicated? He didn’t even seem upset. Actually, he started thanking God. Was this stupidity, or was this the reaction God wanted?
How do you respond to bad news or difficulties in your life? In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Paul says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” James 1:2 says “…Count it all joy when you fall into various trials…” How is this even possible?
There’s nothing like a trial to bring to the surface what we really believe about God. If we believe that He provides and protects, we can await His answer with joyful expectation, just like James talks about. Now, the outcome may not look exactly like how we want it to look, but it will look exactly like how He wants it to look. Why? It’s because He causes “all things to work together for the good of those who love” Him.
I love the scripture that says, “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord.” (Psalm 89:15) Why don’t we get with Him this week in worship and let Him remind us of who He is. So that in our next lay-off, argument, illness or failure, we can learn to be thankful as we experience His presence and wait expectantly to see how He’ll work it all out, for His good. He really will!
