As I grow older, the more amazed I become at how God moves in my life in graciously unexpected ways. He truly surprises me with His timing and with His plans as they unfold before my eyes. Having now lived through the usual phases of life marked by marriage, having children, raising children, the marriage of those children, the empty nest, and now the coming of grandchildren, it has been nothing like I had planned or expected.
But, I can say with joy that His ways and His plans have far exceeded what I had envisioned or could ever deserve (Ephesians 3:20). I could not have orchestrated a better plan on my best day. I have to admit that there were times of doubt, times when it seemed as if nothing was working out right. I questioned my ability to be the husband and the father God had called me to be. Failures were plentiful so, I questioned what, if any, positive effect I was having within my home.
Looking back now, I see that God was active in and around me the whole time. He was using my failures and my struggles to refine me. He was testing me and trying me in order to transform me into the image of His dear Son. I can see clearly now that my failures did not thwart God’s plans. He was guiding the whole process to produce good in the life of each member of my family. He was graciously providing wisdom and endurance beyond my own limitations to let me experience glimmers of success. But, even in those, I knew that He alone deserved the glory.
I say all this, to make a point. God is sovereign in every area of our lives. Our failures and our successes are used by Him to accomplish His purposes. Our efforts do have effect and influence but, never to the extent that we are in control of what is produced through them. Now that my girls are married and are bringing grandchildren into our family, nothing has worked out how I envisioned. But, it is far better than I ever expected. It is their turn at the plate now and I hope that they someday will appreciate the sovereignty of God over their families as well.
I love the comforting promise of Isaiah 46:9-11 -“Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,’ Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it.”
My admonition to us all is this: “Do everything for the glory of God then trust Him with the results.” Even through pain and struggle, success and failure, He alone can produce results which are better than we could ever imagine.
David Trent
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