Sometimes, in moments of deep reflection, I look at the twists and turns my life has taken. I’ll admit, I don’t understand why certain things have happened and I won’t be so super spiritual and pretend that I have welcomed everything that has occurred. I have had many days when I wondered, “How can I know God like I do and still end up here?” And other times, I have asked the Lord, “Why have You allowed this to happen to me (or to those who I love dearly)?” I know that God is Omniscient, and I really do trust Him, but my mind cannot completely process everything that happens all the time.
But I can tell you that I firmly believe Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” I know that what I have experienced throughout my life has made me a more compassionate person, I’ve gained wisdom well beyond my years, and hopefully it has made me a better woman of God (including wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend).
I can honestly say that I love God more now than ever. I remember, as a little girl, hearing a song, “I Love Jesus More Than I Did Yesterday.” I used to love the song, and now that I’m older, I realize it rings true for me. And I’m grateful to know that God loves me too, because the enemy is always close by trying to tell me the opposite.
You see, the last few years tossed me a few curve balls that I wasn’t completely prepared for. I found myself crying out to God from the very depths of my soul. Sometimes, I have seen the spiritual storms before they arrive, but every now and then, I experience a “pop-up storm.”
I began to wonder, “Is this what I am supposed to be doing with my life right now?” I seek God daily for direction, so it’s a sincere question because I want to be sensitive to the movement of the Holy Spirit. But let’s be real, we have all imagined where are lives will be in 5, 10, 20 years. (I’m grateful that God’s ways are not my ways because who knows where I’d be, even with the best intentions.) I took a long look at my life and it left me with one word: Grateful.
I’m grateful for it all: the good, the bad, and the very ugly. It’s all part of God’s plan. And the windy road to get where I am today is by design. Don’t believe me? Well, check this out:
When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” (Exodus 13:17-18)
Notice that God didn’t lead them along the shortest route—the easiest route—to the Promised Land. Look at your life. You probably haven’t experienced the shortest route either. God knows that adversity may cause us to waiver, and we may be tempted to turn back and miss the blessings and opportunities that God has waiting for us. That same adversity can actually build you and propel you forward into your destiny if you remain faithful to God. But let’s be honest; sometimes we wish for that easy route though, don’t we?
God knew His people then, and He knows His people now. He even knows that His very own Manna Chef would not have benefited from the easier route. She may not have had the testimony that she has that can reach the soul of others, even those who are not believers. And, my dear sisters, He knows you, too. Your life may be very different from what you thought it would be, but know that God is refining and pruning you each day. You are His masterpiece, so you can’t go the route that “everyone” else is going. But the road God made for you was built with purpose. Trust Him, and follow His lead.
The Manna Chef 