Isn’t it marvelous to think about how much God is involved in your life; without you even being aware of it? It is true, He guides and orchestrates events, allows things to happen; even before we are even born. All to bring you to where you are right at this moment. He uses your past,and your present life to shape you into His purpose.

“…Yet who knows whether you have come to the

kingdom for such a time as this.” Esther 4:14b

It is never coincidence. It is always with God actively in charge. I will give you two quick examples. When my mom was a young teenager, thirteen I believe, her neighbors, who had been thinking of buying their home, suddenly decided to move. In the family that moved in from across town, was the young man who would become my father. Before he moved next door, he was attending a different school than my mom. Would they have ever met if my dad hadn’t moved in next door? Who knows? But God doesn’t leave anything to chance.

When I was eleven, my parents decided to move from Wisconsin out West to Utah. Years later, the man who would become my husband left his home in a small Mexican village, to move to the states for work. Where did he end up? Utah. God orchestrated two people a total of almost three thousand miles, just so they would meet and fulfill His purpose.

God in His infinite wisdom and knowledge is intimately involved in our whole lives from even before birth to the grave. Not to manipulate us like some marionette master. No, He wants a relationship with us. He has planned great things for our future. He wants to lovingly guide us toward the best that He has waiting for us. Toward living and fulfilling the life and purpose He has chosen for us. Even before we get saved and start living a Christian life, He is involved, leading and guiding us to that point of acceptance of His salvation.

“Even there Your hand shall lead me and

Your right hand shall hold me,” Psalm 139 :10

The things we experience, both blessings and trials, help move us along life’s journey. We are never to come to a complete halt, but should always be striving to keep moving forward, seeking what God wants of us next. In 2 Corinthians 4:16-17, He tells us that we shouldn’t lose heart. That even though as humans, our bodies are slowly but surely dying, our spiritual being is being renewed daily. He says that our ‘light affliction’ only lasts for a moment when compared to eternity. These problems, these trials are gaining for us a better result eternally than we could ever imagine.

I have had some rough, hard times. Some of which are five miscarriages, developing multiply chronic health issues beginning in my twenties and they continue today. I’ve been through a divorce and raised my four kids alone for most of their childhood. I’ve had numerous surgeries including three major back surgeries. Depression and discouragement are an upward battle. But God is using those things for His good. I am able to share with others how God helped me through. He has given me the ability to help encourage others; lift them up. I have learned not to look at what is on the outside but the inside of people. Experience has shown me not to be judgmental, yet not to compromise my faith. I have gained the ability to show compassion, have empathy for others in similar situations. I have learned the importance of prayer and praise.

All that I have lived through,and am living through, have brought me to today, where I am writing this to you. God has placed this yearning to help on my heart. He has been preparing me for this all along.

“ Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘

This is the way, walk in it’, whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever

you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21

Many of you have faced and gone through worse. God will also use your past experiences and present ones too for His glory. So please know that God can and is able to use you right where you are. No matter what you are going through. If you let Him. He is guiding you, not from far off, but right by your side.

Are you asking Him what He has for you right now, at this time? Are you listening? Maybe it is to be still and learn. Maybe there is someone you can help, advise? Who or what can you pray for? Who can you encourage? Seek out what God has for you and believe me, He won’t leave you wondering.

Until next time, God bless.

~Brenda