God is Still Writing Your Story
There have been times when my heart ached because of a difficult or disappointing situation: a bad decision that led to painful season, an unexpected happenstance that created an unresolved circumstance, a health issue that hung on for far too long. A chapter that I did not like. Have you ever felt that way too?
The Shunammite woman in the Old Testament had both good and bad chapters recorded in 2 Kings 4. It all started when she invited the prophet Elijah to join her and her husband for a homecooked meal. She knew that he was a holy man, so decided to add a room onto her house where he could stay when passing through town.
Elisha was so grateful for her kindness, he wanted to do something special to show his gratitude. She assured him that she didn’t need a thing. She had plenty of money, a fine husband, ample farmland, a nice home, and a good standing in her community. But Elisha wouldn’t let it go. He asked his servant, Gehazi, if he had any ideas. “Well, she doesn’t have son, and her husband is old,” he replied.
Elisha called her back to his room and announced, “About this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms.”
“No, my lord,” she objected. “Don’t mislead your servant, O man of God!”
Elisha wasn’t misleading her at all. The next year, she gave birth to a son. That’s a good story! I like that story!
A few years later, the boy experienced an excruciating headache. As his mom held him in her lap, the boy died. That’s a bad story. I do not like that story.
The boy’s mom got on a donkey and went to find Elisha. She wouldn’t leave until he agreed to returned to her home. Elisha went in the boy’s room, shut the door, and prayed to the LORD. Then he got on the bed and lay upon the boy, mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hand. As he stretched himself out upon him, the boy’s body grew warm. Then Elisha got up, walked around, and stretched out on the boy’s body again. That might seem a bit odd for us readers, but all I know is the boy was healed. He sneezed seven times and then opened his eyes.
That’s a good story! I like that story!
We are all going to have good chapters and bad chapters in life. We’re going to have times when we think, I do like this story and other times we think, I do not like this story. The key is to not get stuck in the difficult chapters but keep moving to the flow of the Author’s pen.
Never let anyone, including yourself, put a period where God puts a comma. Often the twists and turns of the plot won’t make sense until we’re on the other side of this life. Until then we trust that He is always working, even when we can’t see it. Jesus said, “My Father is always working, and so am I” (John 5:17 NLT). Our limited vision doesn’t allow us to see God’s strategic maneuvering, but we must believe that He has a plan. God is still writing your story.
Father, some chapters of my story are so difficult. However, I know You can use all the broken pieces to make a magnificent masterpiece. Help me not get stuck in a bad chapter due to disappointment or discouragement, but to keep moving forward, knowing there is more to be written. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Leave a comment and give the chapter you’re in right now a title. Let’s share. (By the way, I’m glad to be back.)
Do you feel like you’ve been stuck in a bad chapter, unable to move past it? Perhaps today’s the day you take the first step toward being free. If you need help in this area, or know someone who does, When You Don’t Like Your Story: What if Your Worst Chapters Could Become Your Greatest Victories will show you how. Consider purchasing two copies and go through the pages and the Bible study with a friend.
Click here for a FREE download of 10 Bible Verses to Assure You God is Always Working Behind the Scenes.
