Daily Devotional for October 6, 2021

Last week, Laura woke up David in the middle of the night and told him to rush her to the emergency room.

The next morning, I called to check on her.  As we talked, she told me how blessed she was that her appendix had ruptured when it did.  Her response caught me by surprise.

Laura went on to explain, this coming Saturday, she and David are taking a trip to Africa.  She said, “What if my appendix had ruptured on our nonstop flight to Africa?  It would have been really bad.”  She was right.

This got me thinking.

Rarely do I talk to someone who has just undergone surgery that tells me how blessed they are to have suffered a medical emergency.  Usually, the immenseness of the moment is all they can focus on.  Laura was able to see the bigger picture.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we believe that God is so powerful, God is able, not only to use the good in our lives, but also the bad, for his purpose.

The cross is a good example.  It was a symbol of suffering, dread, and death.  God turned the cross into a symbol of redemption, peace, and everlasting life.

Today, as you face both the good and bad life offers, remember to look at the big picture.

This is what Paul meant by saying to the Christians in Rome, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purposes.”  (Romans 8:28)

You have a God who is an active presence in your life.  You have a God who would rather die than live without you – and that’s exactly what God did.  You have a God who has chosen to walk with you through eternity.  You have a God who will never leave or desert you.  You have a God who loves you.  That’s the big picture.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, open my eyes so that I can see the good you bring out of the bad.  Help me to be a person of faith, hope, and trust.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

The doctor has cleared Laura for the trip to Africa. She and David are going to have a great time.  Most importantly, even though they will miss Sunday worship, they are up to date on their giving.  That’s what matters most to me.

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