I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content-whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:13 HCSB

I grew up surrounded by people who wanted what was best for me. I had a mom that made sure that I learned about God and Jesus’ sacrifice for me at a very early age. She kept me in church and for that I am eternally grateful. She also wanted to be sure that I could stand on my own two feet financially. My dad wanted to be sure that I could take of myself also. He made sure that I knew how to defend myself and stand strong. My maternal grandmother always made sure that my homework was done and that I understood the value of a good education. My sister taught me to never give up  and she was also quick to correct me when I was behaving like a spoiled brat. But all of them taught me that there was nothing one couldn’t do when they set their mind to it. My mom used to tell me when I thought I couldn’t do something that, “Where there is a will, there is a way”.  My grandmother used to tell me that, “There is more than one way to skin a cat.”

They all encouraged me to keep on keeping on. But I have also learned from them and through church that God’s will is always what’s best and God’s way is always the best way. So I guess I would say that God’s will is the best way.

For many years in my life I would go to God and want something very specific. I couldn’t see how any good could come from things not going my way. I was hesitant to pray for God’s will to be done. But as I have grown in the LORD, I have come to realize that His way is always good. I couldn’t see when I was praying for healing for a loved one that if God brought them home to Him that this was the best possible thing that could happen to them. I could only selfishly see how much I would miss them.

Three and a half years ago, I stood holding hands with my former pastor’s wife and daughter at the foot of his hospital bed. I couldn’t imagine life without the shepherd that had brought me back to the LORD. I had so much going on in my life and my family desperately needed him. I begged God to perform a miracle and let him stay with us, but that just wasn’t God’s will. The selfish part of me just didn’t see how I could get through all I was going through without his spiritual guidance. I couldn’t imagine his family without him. They were such a close and loving family. But God’s will was to bring him home to Heaven for eternal healing. God’s will was to reward him for all his years of faithful service here on earth. I can’t imagine what a glorious homecoming that must have been for him. I am so happy for him, but there are times when I still mourn his loss.

I am still growing. Sometimes I feel like I will never grow up, you know, like I’m a Toys-R-Us kid, but I’m at least trying to be more spiritually mature. Yesterday I attended, from a distance, the graveside service for my aunt. Due to COVID-19 no one could get within 15 feet of the tent and the immediate family. It was strange for sure. I was unable to hug and comfort my cousin and her sons. I was unable to approach them and express my condolences. I felt sadness for them, but joy for my aunt who had been suffering for quite some time. My aunt is now happy and whole. She is with her loved ones that have gone before her. She is in the presence of her Lord and Savior. She will be spending Easter in heaven. And I know that I will see her and my dad and my former pastor and all those that have gone before me when I get there.

Sometimes God’s will is not our will, but we must trust that His way is the best way. We must trust that He has good plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11). We must trust that He works all things out for our good (Romans 8:28). And when His will seems like something that we just can’t bear, we must trust in Him knowing that we can do all things through Him as He gives us strength.

Have a great day!