May 19, 2021: God Knows Best
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God” (Rom. 8:28, NKJV).
When I knocked on his door 30 years ago, I never imagined the conversation we had would impact me to this day.
He had been a leader of the church; a highly respected man of God of 96 years. His wife had passed away awhile back. My husband and I needed information on the cause of her death, as she had participated in the research my husband was conducting to obtain his Masters in Public Health.
After completing the interview, I dared to ask him a question that was haunting me. He had lived a life of hardship, but his spirit was young, filled with peace and joy.
I asked, “Pastor, if you had to give one piece of advice on how to live a life like yours, what would it be?”
Smiling, he answered, “Romans 8:28. Just love God, and, no matter what life brings your way, everything will work together for good.”
I pray that by the time you read this message, humanity will have found a way to fight the coronavirus. As I’m writing, we’re in the crossfires of a horrible battle. Our churches are closed. Many have lost their jobs. The list of the sick and dying grow with each passing day.
My husband recently conducted a virtual funeral for a dear Christian brother. As I heard family members of the deceased person share words of gratitude, I knew in my heart that even this, COVID-19, will work together for the good of those who love God.
Lord, how can this work for good? I do not know. But I know You do. Amen.
Carmen A. Esposito is the Hispanic Women’s Ministries director for the Potomac Conference.
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