Instead of allowing the hard providences of our life to dictate an unhealthy, even sinful response, may we instead remember that God’s love for His children will always govern how He orchestrates our lives. 

Where has life taken you? What are the watershed moments of your life that seem to have defined the path you currently walk on? How do you feel as a result of those moments that led you to this point? Are there any changes you need to make as a result?

Life can be filled with some pretty great moments. Getting into the college you hoped for, landing the job in a field you worked hard to get into, finding a beloved spouse to spend your days with, the birth of children, seeing fruit in your ministry, and many others.

But, life can be filled with some very challenging moments as well…pretty much the opposite of all the above would be enough to bring us low.

I just finished reading Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliott for the “who knows how many’ith” time. I’m always so encouraged by this story and the faith these families had in their Lord. As I finished the book last night, one quote from Barbara Youderian brought conviction to me. 

Soon after their husbands were killed by the Waorani tribe they were trying to bring the gospel to, all five wives sat down with a friend who led the expedition to find the bodies of the men. He explained to them where they were and how they found them (upon the prompting of all the wives to hear this). That night, Barbara wrote in her diary of how she praised the Lord that her husband, Roger, was made worthy of his homecoming, how she would need to be both mother and father to their children, and of her complete trust in the Lord.

Then, she wrote the following, “I wrote a letter to the mission family, trying to explain the peace I have. I want to be free of self-pity. It is a tool of Satan to rot away a life. I am sure that this is the perfect will of God.” (Through Gates of Splendor, p 231, emphasis mine). 

I’ve loved, and I’ve lost. There’ve been good days and hard days. I’m sure you have, too. But, do you hear the words of this young wife who just lost her husband in such a brutal way? Her whole life was ahead of her. I’m sure she and Roger spent days dreaming of a long life together.

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