I did an internship in Washington D.C. the summer before my junior year in college. The job was good enough; I coordinated summer camp logistics for kids interested in politics. Yes, it was as nerdy as you’re imagining, and yes, I was a former attendee. But the best thing about that summer wasn’t licking envelopes and herding hormones. It was meeting a new group of friends at church.
I don’t know if you’re familiar with the town of Stars Hollow from the TV show Gilmore Girls, but those quirky, fictional characters had nothing on my new, real-life friends. Despite the fact that I was a stranger in town and only planning to stay for eight weeks, they grafted me in, constantly hounding me to join them for weekend adventures of camping, floating down rivers, or taking long motorcycle rides through the Shenandoah Valley. It was as dreamy as it sounds, and it was healing for my soul in many, many ways.
We talked about the gospel, too, and one of those conversations led to the topic of the providence of God. The candor of the conversation shocked me. Who talks about this stuff anyway? And what does the providence of God even mean?
I was kindly pointed to today’s passage in Romans, and from there one friend explained the idea that God is sovereign. At face value, the concept of a God who is in control might seem offensive. We don’t like to believe that Someone else has the final say. When Paul asks in Romans 9:20, “Will what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’”, I want to scream, “Yes! That’s what my prayers to God sound like on a regular basis!” But from my perspective, when I take Romans 9 to heart, we have to concede that God is ultimately the one in control.
In the years since my dream summer in D.C., I’ve learned a lot about faith. I’ve read much more of the Bible. I’ve spent countless hours with Jesus. And despite all that, God’s providence is as mysterious to me now as it was then. But Scripture teaches that our God is a loving God with a purpose for me.
I look at the seasons, coming and going in their time. I look at the ocean waves, which know their boundaries. I look at my face in the mirror—imperfect, yes, but a masterpiece in the Master’s hands. I look at the miracle of life itself—particularly in a world bent on death. None of it is a mistake. This beauty is His creation.
Thank you all, for prayers for my family. My mom is still in the hospital, still waiting to find out if this is her cancer back for good or an infection. But she’s reaching out to God, for the first time in YEARS. I pray this continues and she feels gods presence. My husband had a more stable day today. We’re taking things one day at a time. I am trying to be present, finding joy in the midst of uncertainty, and not just waiting to be on the other side of all this…good word to focus on Gods providence today!
I’m getting “double Paul”, this week. I’m reading with all of you and my Christian camp meeting this week is studying Paul. What is interesting is we all come from different faith backgrounds and share the different nuances of our Bibles.
Thy will be done my Lord Jesus!
Just had to hop on here and tell MARI V the HAPPIEST first day of work! You will be such a blessing to the KK teacher and kiddos you are matched up with this year!
Today I met my 25 precious third graders and their families at Open House. I’m praying for wide open hands and a big open heart as we build our classroom family this year. We are not without some challenges in the room but pray that God overflows me with compassion and patience.
And ladies who have faithfully been praying for my feet…they are holding up! It feels miraculous! Thank you and keep praying! Kids start on Thursday!
I really struggle with accepting and trusting God with who I am and the way he made me, and the struggle has continued as I’ve been beginning to transition into college. prayers needed!!! but anyhoo, every time I read that but “But who are you, o man, to answer back to God” and the “why have you made me like this?” part I’m always convicted and I always think of Job. I have seen Gods power first hand, but when God questions Job is a strong reminder of Gods intentionality. Still trying to learn what these mean in my deepest heart and believe them
Thank you for those who have been praying for me and my husband’s recovery. We are mostly better. My husband ended isolation yesterday and went back to work; today is my last day at home and I go back to work tomorrow after being out for 2 weeks. This isolation time has been brutal. I don’t say that for pity at all, but it reminds me that alone can be a dangerous place when we don’t stay plugged in and abide in Him. ❤️ I am nervous to go back to work, and yet I want to get on with my life. INDIANA ELAINE, thank you so much for your comment and prayer last Friday for the SRT sisters who are experiencing anxiety, sickness, etc. It really spoke to me and I feel it was God’s way of reminding me that He sees me. ❤️ Thank you all who have been praying as well. I read through your requests and reflections and am so grateful to all of you for sharing, uplifting one another, and providing prayer and support. ❤️❤️ Praying for you all, for blessings, healing, encouragement and provision. ❤️
Thank you SEARCHING for mentioning my children in prayer.
VICTORIA E, thank you for praying for the salvation of my children and grandchildren, and all others who are. I appreciate that so much.