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Monday, May 14, 2007

Four Words

I recently heard four words that have changed how I view everything. These words are so profound to me, yet so simple. Before I share those words with you, I thought I’d share some instances in which those words can be used. See if you can relate:

You have to work with a difficult co-worker. (A backstabber, perhaps?)

Someone totally misunderstood what you had to say at Bible Study (or on your blog!) and became offended.

Your ob-gyn calls you with questionable test results. You need to come in for a biopsy.

You and your husband are in total disagreement regarding how a certain situation should be handled.

The bills are mounting, and there's not enough money to pay them.

Your toddler just decorated the couch with ketchup.

The car made a pitiful noise when you started it this morning.

Your child's teacher has some "concerns" and has requested a conference with you.

You've prayed for years for a certain situation in your life to change, and it has changed alright… for the worse.

Your teenager is deeply hurt over a friendship, and there’s nothing you can do about it.

A loved one is continually making poor choices.

And on, and on, and on.

These scenarios (and more!) are what we face each and every day as plod this earth. There are moments and seasons of deep and abiding joy, punctuated by times of hurt, angst, and bewilderment. Here are the four words I heard a few weeks ago:



God is using this.

What if:

Beth Moore (or insert the name your favorite Bible study teacher) was in town doing a conference, needed to make some last-minute changes in what she was going to say, and called you from the hotel to see if she could use one of your Bible study resources?

Rachel Ray wanted to use one of your family recipes for her show?

Laura Bush wanted to use one of your children’s books in a talk she was giving at your local library?

Your favorite singer was sitting near you on an airplane wanted to use your iPod?

I know these examples are somewhat far-fetched, but would you let them use what's yours? I would, in a heartbeat! It would be an honor for someone of their renown to want anything I have. I would offer it up gladly! What if the God of the universe, the Creator of all time, events, and people wanted to use the time, events and people in your life for His purposes? This one's not far-fetched at all. He does. God uses finite circumstances to accomplish eternal works. What a privilege it is to think that He would use what concerns me to fulfill His plans! And He does it every day.

Oh, I think I've always been conscious of that on some level, and I’ve certainly repeated Romans 8:28 to myself plenty of times over the years, "God works all things together for good to those who love God, to those are called according to His purpose." (NASB) But lately, it has helped me so much to look situations square in the face and say out loud, "God is using this." These are the raw materials with which He will work as He "works all things together" in my life for my good and for His glory. He will use the big and small events in my life to mold me into the image of His Son, to draw me and others to Himself, to reveal more of His character, to further His Kingdom on this earth, and to bless me in this life as well as eternally. How that knowledge counsels my heart as I get a real sense that it is all in His hands. All of it- the good and the bad- must bow to His perfect will for my life and for this world.

What are you facing today? Disappointment? Joy? Confusion? An area of bondage? Health issues?

Remember, God is using this.

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10 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Cyndi,

This boggles my mind: What a privilege it is to think that He would use what concerns me to fulfill His plans!

Wonderful post. I am encouraged as I start the week. God's blessing, Cyndi. Love, Lynn

May 13, 2007 at 10:49 PM  
Blogger Denise said...

Bless you for sharing this Cyndi.

May 13, 2007 at 11:41 PM  
Blogger Deborah said...

Wow you made me think!

love always
me

May 14, 2007 at 4:20 AM  
Blogger Mindy said...

Great post Cyndi!
I have to make myself remember this just about everyday.
Another thing I repeat to myself over and over (and what I thought of when I first started reading this even though it is 6 words and not 4) is HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR ME......
Thanks for the reminder!

May 14, 2007 at 9:04 AM  
Blogger Chris @ Come to the Table said...

Cyndi,
This post makes me think about suffering. Somehow in our culture we have looked at difficulty as we are doing something wrong rather than living as one who truly understands God's soverign.

Great post with lots to ponder.

May 14, 2007 at 12:57 PM  
Blogger Darlene Schacht said...

Cyndi, we can all relate to those moments. Thanks for those words to remember.

May 14, 2007 at 2:13 PM  
Blogger Linda said...

You must know how those words minister to me. Even when we cannot see how any of "these things" could possibly work together for our good - He can.
I had a friend who used to say in difficult times "What is God teaching me through this?" I admit that at times I wished He could teach me in easier ways. Those four words certainly help.

May 14, 2007 at 2:59 PM  
Blogger Lori said...

Wow, I loved this.....God is using this post ;))

May 14, 2007 at 7:13 PM  
Blogger Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

Loved this!

Though I can be reasonably sure Rachel Ray wants none of my recipes...:))

May 15, 2007 at 6:12 PM  
Blogger redeemed diva said...

I loved this post! Good stuff. I like how you put negative examples and then positive ones-well written.

May 15, 2007 at 9:54 PM  

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