Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? (Rom. 11:34)

“What good could possibly come out of this?” Dr. Peter Marshall, chaplain to the US Senate and church pastor, spoke these words to his wife, Catherine, as he lay dying of a massive heart attack. He was a human being in crisis, unable to see beyond the immediate medical catastrophe.

God, however, was working His divine plan. Catherine Marshall, now widowed, was asked to edit Peter’s sermons and prayers for publication. She then completed his biography, which became a best seller within days. Peter Marshall’s words, which had touched thousands during his lifetime, reached and inspired millions more after his death.

God’s wondrous ways and thoughts are beyond our mortal minds. The apostle Paul experienced this truth. While writing to the church at Rome about God’s plan of salvation for Jews and Gentiles, Paul was suddenly overcome with awe and penned glorious words of honor and praise to his Lord.

Paul likely never knew that his God-inspired words of adoration would eventually form part of the Holy Scriptures and sustain hundreds of millions of souls throughout future generations. He simply responded as men ought to the great mystery of God.

None of us can fathom God’s mind, nor do our anxious attempts to predict the future please Him. What God seeks is our full trust and worship because He is worthy. He is sovereign, and all-wise, and His plans always work for our good.

Praise God today for the good plan He is working in your life.

Carol Chase and her husband live in Surrey, British Columbia. She is a retired administrative supervisor, enjoys gardening, and loves to pray for others.