It Works!

 by Macy Johnson

“And hope does not disappoint us,

because God has poured out his love

into our hearts by the Holy Spirit,

whom he has given us.”

(Romans 5:5 NIV)

 

One Saturday afternoon my husband, Jeff, and I volunteered to organize our assigned book shelves at the local library. After two hours of reading off the twenty-six pages of titles while Jeff put the books in order, I drove us to Publix. We detoured to the pack-and-ship store to return a piece of internet equipment. Unfortunately, they had closed for the day just before our arrival.

 

The next day our internet TV reception was herky-jerky, so I thought we should try to install that piece of equipment again. I removed it from my car and plugged it into the wall. Success! We looked at each other as I said, “So glad we did not ship it back yesterday!”

 

Margery Cuyler is the author of many children’s books, including That’s Good! That’s Bad! The idea for this book was inspired by a conversation with her son, Thomas, who asked, "Can't bad things change into good things?" 

 

My friend, Susan, told me about Margery’s book as we walked together one morning. I relayed the recent happenings in my life and she encouraged me to look for the good in the bad.

 

“We know that suffering produces perseverance.”

(Romans 5:3 NIV)

 

I often wonder why things do not seem to work out right and cause me to spiral into despair. Then I remember I live in a broken world. My amazement should be that some efforts are accomplished! Some things do work. I really should not be surprised at the success of anything! Everything emanates from the hand of my perfect heavenly Father.

 

I will persevere on my walk with the Holy Spirit, no matter the outcome. I hope you will, too!