Today I've been feeling a little bit discouraged. It's always a little bit hard for me after the holidays, when I am facing another year of being single and wondering if I will ever get married and have children. I have so many blessings, and my life is so full. Heavenly Father has blessed me so that I don't hardly ever struggle with being single any more--but there is a little ache in my heart for my husband and children that never really goes away, and every once in awhile I feel it more than usual. So I am grateful for things that help me remember that God has a perfect plan for my life, for reminders that he loves me more than I can imagine, and for assurances that He is bringing things about in the best possible way for my happiness--even though I can't see it sometimes.
A few years ago on the way back from a business trip, I picked up a book in the airport that I have loved ever since, called, Follow the Star. It is a Christmas book by a Christian minister, and has so many good messages in it. Here is one of my favorites:
…From the beginning, before time ever was, God had a plan … And He has a plan for you—an intricate, personal, perfectly timed, well-oiled plan so dripping with goodness that it would blow your mind if you really understood it….
The infinite eyes of God roam the earth choosing friends for you, finding jobs for you, connecting you with opportunities to discover and express your passions and your gifts. If you are single, He is keeping tabs on the husband or wife He is holding just for you until the moment is perfect for two to become one. He is teaching you today the lessons you will need tomorrow. He orders your steps, making sure you are in the right place at the right time to accomplish what is in His heart for you….
Whatever the crisis that seems uniquely designed to produce your downfall, God has a plan. Your challenge is to remember—no matter what happens—that God has a plan. And God is as good as His Word, which says this about you: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). I have known of my share of struggle and of heartbreak. Sometimes it has been hard to see God’s plan through the pain, but He has never failed. Not once….
I can say to you with authority that comes from personal experience that out of your disappointments will come divine appointments. Out of your most costly mistakes will come your most priceless gems of wisdom. Out of your bruised and bleeding places will come your greatest strength. Out of your haunting fears will come a holy faith—if you will determine to believe that God has a plan for you, that He wants to give you a good future, filled with hope, and that He will bring His purposes to pass in your life in ways that are likely to astound you. (T.D. Jakes, Follow the Star,Pages 164-168.)
Isn't that a great quote? There is so much truth in it.
"He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him." (2 Nephi 26:24)
"I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will." (Words of Mormon 1:7)
"All things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things." (2 Nephi 2: 24)
"Thus saith the Lord; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord...
"And there is hope in thine end..." (Jeremiah 31:16-17)
"And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.
"And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed." (Joel 2:16-17)
2 comments:
Don't apologize for quoting such beautiful things. That Christian minister really was inspiring in his testimony of God's plan for our lives. And I loved the scriptures you quoted.
My heart aches for you that you haven't yet married. We pray about that in almost every prayer we have together. I often pray that you will be blessed to be content until the happy day comes.
Thanks for those quotes. I think I might use some in my lesson on Sunday.
I know it has been hard for you to not be married, but I am grateful that we got to be such good friends and that you have helped so many people in your life. So thanks for agreeing beforehand to sacrifice to bless the lives of so many even though it has been very hard for you.
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