God Never Fails

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. Romans 8:28 (NIV)

After playing an active part in my Church’s beginning of the year fast in January, I was expecting a smooth sail through the year 2016. Little did I expect any sudden disappointments for the year given my spiritual preparation! But I was taken aback when one bad news after another came in rapid succession, leaving me wondering if it was worth starting the year with a prayer and fasting period.

I had applied for a project and was earnestly looking forward to being awarded a contract. I did not get it. I had also encouraged a colleague of mine to apply. The day I got the bad news, he met me on my way home and thanked me for my encouragement and prayers for him with this project, because he was successful with his application! He asked me if I also got a positive answer. I jealously congratulated him and was so mad at God! In my eyes I was more qualified and felt God must be playing favorites. I even thought maybe Christianity was not for me—I must be in the wrong religion in the first place! But you can see my pride and spiritual immaturity in this narrative.

As an intercessor I prayed for these brethren, that they will be successful, and here I am complaining why I was not the chosen one! Mercy!

As a human being I always want things to go my way. I have a myopic view, unlike God who has the big picture and my best interest at heart. But I erroneously was expecting the Lord to make my life a bed of roses without challenges or difficulties. I was treating God as a genie, doing whatever I wanted and God would always bless it.

However, all things work together for those who love Christ. Not only what I see as good, but also the ones I consider bad in my human understanding.

As I desire to grow in my spiritual walk with God, I have come to understand that it will come with trials and challenges which I must embrace as I seek His wisdom and guidance through all the changing scenes of life.

Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3:16-18) answered steadfastly that no matter how hot the furnace may be they will not succumb to the gods of the world, I have learned to follow their example of following the Lord unwaveringly—telling myself no matter how dire my circumstances may become, His word shall still reign supreme and upon it I lay anchor.

Copyright © 2016 Felix Donkor. Used by permission.