When we review what is taking place in our lives, we can’t help but respond with a sigh of disappointment when things are not going our way. We must remember that God is in control of our lives and what seems difficult and hard to bear is really working for our good.
My life issues that I faced allowed me to see that first-hand. I was the type of person that had everything under control. Life always seemed to work well for me even growing up in a working-class family in the island of Trinidad and Tobago. Our parents did not have much, but my parents took care of my siblings and me. We weren’t lacking of anything. We obeyed our parents by attending school and church and being satisfied with what we had.
As a wife and mother, I followed the same pattern as my mother. I cared for my children and didn’t feel I lacked anything. My life was simple. I worked hard working at my job, caring for my family and being involved in all aspects of my children’s lives. I felt life was good until our daughter Jo-An became mentally ill at twelve years old and my life took a turn for the worst. I had no control of my life then. I could only hold on to the hem of Jesus’ garments as I struggled to maintain my life. What I did not know, was that God, the potter, was taking me, his clay (Jer.18:6), and molding me and perfecting me into the type of person he wanted me to be, for His glory.
Molding and perfecting was not easy for me. God brought me to my face, and with tears, I struggled with what God was doing and the trials that I was experiencing with our daughter. God did not answer my prayers to heal her immediately because he had a purpose and plan for my life as well. He has been healing her slowly as I increased in my faith. But his real reason during my trial, was to humble me, to help me to be patient, and to allow me to recognize him as my focus. Jesus is my supreme authority (Col.1:18). Whatever I am going through, I put it in my Savior’s hands to do according to his will. I know now that all things work together for good to those who love God (Romans 8:28). If you are going through a similar issue, be encouraged. May you be blessed!