“When we acknowledge that God is the Author of our stories, we are able to see that He has a plan for our lives.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 13, 2023
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
There are times in life when we don’t get to choose the roles we play. Maybe you’re thrust into a role that you wouldn’t have chosen for yourself—and you’re not happy about it. A woman you don’t respect just got promoted. Now, she’s your manager. You discover that your father, who passed away years ago, had a child you didn’t know about. Now, you’re a sister. Your family members aren’t getting along. Now, you’re the go-between. Your spouse just received news that he has cancer. Now, you’re a grieving caretaker. There are times in all of our lives when we are forced into difficult roles we would have never chosen for ourselves.
When this happens, a natural first result is to wonder how we can get out of it. “How do I make this big mess disappear?” Even though it’s natural to respond in this way, a better response is to ask, “What redemptive role does God want me to play in this story?”
Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, Who leads you in the way you should go” (Isaiah 48:17).
When we acknowledge that God is the Author of our stories, we are able to see that He has a plan for our lives. And, we also see that He may want to use us in a way we had never even imagined. . .in a way that will bring Him glory.
Of course, God doesn’t call us to stay in every role. But during those times when He does, and in those roles where there is no way out, God wants to do something good, because He is always doing something good—and He may want to use us to play an important role in His good plan. Our job is to cooperate with Him and not bring evil into His story by cooperating with the devil.
Many years ago, my mom discovered she had a sister she didn’t know about. My grandfather, who had passed away years before, had a relationship before my mom was born. Eventually the woman contacted my mom to reveal her identity. And just like that, Mom was thrown into an unexpected role as a sister. Was she uncomfortable? Yes. Did she have many unanswered questions? Yes. But she chose to respond in a redemptive way. Now, she is good friends with her new sister and Mom’s response of love has glorified God. Even in the midst of sin, God is always at work to bring about His redemption.
Have you been thrown into an unpleasant role that you would not have chosen for yourself? You are not in that role by accident. Perhaps you are called to be a light in a less-than-desirable situation. Ask yourself how God wants you to respond.
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I may feel ill equipped for my current role, but I trust You to equip me and empower me to serve as unto the Lord, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
If you are in a role that you would not have chosen for yourself, ask God how He wants you to respond.
Related Reading
Psalm 32:8; Job 36:22; Psalm 73:24
Worship Resource
Gaither Vocal Band: Let it Start in Me
Donate
If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision.
Download our app!
