by Kala Loptien

For Good

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking the Sound Cloud link.

Six years ago, we were in the throes of infertility. Unbeknownst to us, around that time, a homeless teen mom, who had aged out of foster care, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.

Like most journeys and testimonies, ours is sprinkled with hard times, twists and turns. Not to mention, moments of pure joy and mind-boggling reverence. As we are learning, each trial brings about opportunity — to cling, to be restored, to see God’s hand in everything and to experience a closeness like never before.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4 English Standard Version

Let’s be honest, though. Hardships, waiting on God’s timing and trying to dissect every detail can leave us tired, confused and unsettled. But God has told us and reminds us of this absolute truth:

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 English Standard Version

That does not mean that we won’t experience hard times. It also does not mean we will receive the worldly things we want, or that we can earn them with our good works. It does mean that the ultimate battle has been won, and that He has good plans for our future. God sent His son to save us; and we will one day be with Him forever. That’s the best and most important ending to our stories.

Our hearts were made full when our daughter joined our family. And yet, our hearts continue to break for her birth mother when we consider all she’s endured. Our prayer is that in God’s perfect timing, He will heal and restore her broken past — like He’s done with all those called according to his purpose.

Lord, we love you and we thank you for the redemptive work you’ve done in our lives. Help us be bold in sharing and showing your love to those you so purposefully place in our path. Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO