“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV)

The other morning, I was looking out the kitchen window at a fair amount of water lying on the concrete landing. I turned and said to my husband, “Too bad that when the man did that work out there, he didn’t put a bit of a slant on the cement so that the rain would run off instead of just lying there.” I have commented on that on different occasions, which is a waste of time, since it will never be corrected.

When I turned back to look out, I noticed six little birds having fun as they washed and played in that puddle. I stood and watched with pleasure, as God quietly showed me that He has a purpose for everything. God is so good! Now, I have pleasure when I look out my window, instead of seeing a poor job.

It seems as if God sees when something is bothering us, and in His divine way, He changes things up a bit so that we can see that thing in a new way. God was looking after me as well as looking after the little birds.

I told God that I would never complain about that water again, now that I know the purpose of it. Now, I go to the window to see if the little birds are playing and enjoying the water.

I pray that we do not look at anyone as a poor job, but rather we remember that God has a purpose for each of us. He does not make mistakes, and He is not a liar. When I look in the mirror, I pray, God help me to see You working things out. You are making changes in me. I am still under construction — and I am not a mistake or a failure. To think that I am either is a lie that the devil wants me to believe to keep me from being all that God has planned for me.

Considering how I used to live before meeting Christ, I guess that I was a negative that God turned into a positive, or rather my actions were negatives that God turned into positives — and He is not finished with me yet. Praise God!

Prayer: God, may we keep close in our hearts the words that we know come from You. Help us to see people and things the way that You do. You are our hope no matter what our circumstances look like. Thank You for Your peace, forgiveness, and love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Brenda Vargas
Pico, Azores

Reprinted from PresbyCan with author’s permission