Daily Devotional for August 25, 2021

Earlier this year, Melanie asked if I would perform her marriage.  I was pumped.

The ceremony happened in our sanctuary, this past June.  It was just how weddings are supposed to be; joyful, sacred, fun, and quick.

Ten days after Melanie and Alan took their vows, she called to say Alan had suffered a stroke.

My heart broke for both of them.

A few days later, Melanie called to tell me that in doing a CT scan because of Alan’s stroke, the doctors discovered he had cancer. 

My heart broke again.  This is not what you would expect newlyweds to deal with.

Yesterday, as Melanie and I were talking about Alan’s struggles with his stroke and cancer, she told me she had been furious with God.  But in the midst of her anger, God gave her clarity to see the truth.

If Alan had not had a stroke, there would have been no CT scan.  If there had been no CT scan, the odds are, the doctors would not have discovered his cancer until it was too late.

Instead of being a curse, Alan’s stroke turned out to be an incredible blessing that saved his life.   This got me thinking.

Our God is so powerful, he can take the very worst and turn it into the very best.

The cross was the worst.  It was an instrument used to inflict a horrific, painful, lingering death.  In fact, the pain of crucifixion was so bad, they came up with a new word.  The word, Excruciating, means Out of the Cross.

God took this horrible instrument of suffering and death, and used it to bring healing, love, forgiveness, and life to our broken world.  God took the very worst and brought about the very best.  That’s what God does.

Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:33b)

So, remember, no matter what terrible circumstance you are going through, God has the power to bring good out of it.  All God asks is that you not lose faith in his power, grace, and love.  Leave the heavy lifting to him.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, as I walk through life, I know you are walking with me.  Help me trust that no matter what I encounter, you are bigger than any obstacle.  Help me see how incredibly blessed I am.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

You will experience big obstacles.  God is bigger.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins