A Divine Appointment
For a long time, I did not like the verse of the day or the guided meditation idea. Sometimes that is because the verse of the day is often used out of context, effectively changing its meaning. I have the same hesitation with devotionals and meditations for that reason. I believe the Bible speaks for and interprets itself. It is a living, breathing force that still changes lives.
Lately, though, I have been struck by how often Scripture seems to meet me exactly where I am. Not because I am looking for meaning everywhere, but because God knows us intimately. His timing is precise. He continues to provide and work within our circumstances.
While I could not see well enough to read the Bible, I could still listen to it through the Bible App. At first, I simply had someone open Psalms and hit play.
When I regained enough sight to do it myself, I started scrolling through the verse-of-the-day section and listening to the daily thought associated with the verse. I still like some more than others. Today’s verse stopped me. Paul writes in Romans 5:3–4 that we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope.
The person sharing the thought used the phrase disappointments are divine appointments. That made me pause.
What if we changed our thinking in the moment of disappointment and asked God for wisdom to see the divine truth He is developing in us? How would that change our thoughts and actions? How might it impact others around us?
When I could not see even an inch in front of my face, I prayed. Anyone and anything that came to mind was covered in prayer. I attempted to visualize everyone in the pews at church, my friends lists, customers, email lists, and even included a “God bless what’s his name” Sound of Music–style prayer. I prayed for myself, for vision to return, but also for clarity moving forward, wisdom to let things go, and courage to face whatever obstacles might come.
In Romans 8:28, we are reminded that God works all things together for good. It does not say all things are good. God does not cause the challenges, difficulties, illnesses, or obstacles we face, but He walks alongside us through them.
It is our choice to turn the hard things over to Him so He can do His work within them.
I can rejoice in my sufferings, develop endurance, strengthen my character, and affirm my hope.
The question is no longer “Why me?” but “What will God do with this situation?”