Does God’s plan for us falter when illness takes over our life? Susan shares.
“Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. He said to himself, ‘The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob’” (Genesis 27: 41).
My Monday night Bible study group sat in our circle. Some on soft, navy blue, leather couches. Some on the floor.
The blonde haired bubbly one who’s overcome addiction blurted, “This is why the Bible frustrates me. It’s hard to make sense of the manipulation–like how Rebekah told Jacob to steal Esau’s blessing–especially since God went along with it.”
I replied, “Oh, but that’s why I love these Old Testament stories. It’s the best part. They really messed up, but God’s plan continued despite their failures.”
When I think back on the last eight years, including multiple surgeries and medical tests along with the unexpected strife resulting from blending our families, I don’t know how my husband and I have made it this far. We’re in a good place now. But it’s taken lots of forgiveness, grace, and mounds of God’s mercy for us to rest in His plan for our lives.
But He has one. God has been up to something good ever since Adam and Eve left the garden.
And the more I read through Genesis (and shake my head at some of the choices the Fathers of our Faith made) the more comfort I find in God’s ability to work through me, my failures, and even my physical limitations.
He’s not limited by our issues–whether illness, financial, or just plain sin. He has a plan He longs to work out in our lives as we daily surrender our hearts to His love.
So as my Monday night group trudged through the Old Testament, I’ll thank God that He works despite our weaknesses; that His plan endures; and that He does change like shifting sand.
Prayer: Father God, help us trust that You have a plan for every day of our lives. A plan that is good and not evil. A plan to strengthen our hearts even on the worst of days. Amen.
About the author:
Susan Schreer Davis lives in Georgia with her husband. Having survived the loss of her first spouse, ten years as a single mom, and ten more with a chronic illness, she enjoys encouraging others at her blog: http://www.coffeefaithandchronicdisease.blogspot.com.
Have you ever felt like your mess is too big for God? Have you ever felt you lost out on the blessing?
This song, “Undone” with Lifehouse is a great description of how we feel when life isn’t going the way we had planned. When things seem out of our control and we are about to come undone, we can always turn to God and allow Him to put the pieces back together. Nothing will prevent Him from coming into our lives and creating miracles from our messes–except our unwillingness to invite Him in. A good reminder! -Lisa
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 