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?”

Rebellion, Judgment, and Deliverance

Throughout the Old Testament, a pattern of rebellion, judgment, and deliverance emerges. The people do well for a time, then begin doing what is right in their own eyes. God sends judgment, and they face the consequences of their rebellion. They cry out for God’s mercy and redemption, and He delivers them. This cycle repeats so often that reading it can make you dizzy, until you recognize that people today are not any different. How many times do we make the same mistakes over and over? How often do we allow ourselves to fall away and make excuses? Then, when we see the chaos of consequence, we cry out for help.

Even if we don’t see a miraculous intervention, we can still see God at work through His Word, His church, and the unexpected ways He provides. He has given us His Word to provide guidance and wisdom. He has given us the church to help meet our needs. Oftentimes, we call out as a last option after trying to solve the problem on our own. As one of my favorite quotes reminds us, “Prayer is a first response, not a last resort.” Be a first responder.

As we read the Word of God, two simple words often change the course of circumstances: BUT GOD. Here are just a few examples:

But God remembered Noah… (Genesis 8:1). All the people of the earth were wicked, with thoughts that were altogether evil all the time, except for Noah. God preserved humanity through Noah and his family, giving the world a new beginning.

But God meant it for good… (Genesis 50:20). Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, and he became the second most powerful man in Egypt. In their jealousy, they wanted to hurt and punish Joseph, but God used the circumstance to bring salvation.

But God led the people… (Exodus 13:18). When the Israelites fled Egypt and the armies of Pharaoh, God deliberately led them through the wilderness, even though going through Philistia would have been nearer, using that time to prepare them for what lay ahead.

BUT GOD will ransom my soul (Psalm 49:15) and strike the heads of my enemies (Psalm 68:21) because He is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psalm 73:26).

But God raised Him from the dead (Acts 13:30). As Paul recounts the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, he emphasizes the power and providence of God. Not only that, but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Paul also writes, “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!” (Ephesians 2:4–5).

A Choice, a Change, and a Challenge

Through the Gospels, Jesus teaches the disciples how to live and share God’s love with all people. Through the book of Acts, we learn how to become a part of the church. Through the letters, we gain instruction and encouragement.

In each of these teachings, we have a choice to make: continue living as “dead in our trespasses” OR “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” (Hebrews 12:1) to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). The choice to change your life and follow Christ includes significant challenges, specifically living contrary to the world.

Jesus offers all people a choice. Each chooses whether or not to make the changes necessary to follow Him. Repentance means to turn from sin, agreeing with God that sin is sin, and leaving that lifestyle behind. This change will come with challenges, but He gives us all we need, provides a way out, and works the circumstances for good, according to His purpose. We may not always see the good, certainly not in the moment, but we can walk in Hope and trust that God does not change.