Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. (Rom. 5:11)
Expanded Passage: Romans 5:1-11
Eight years had passed and I still hadn’t finished writing my historical fiction book. Motivation to finish occurred when my mom called and said, “I have stage 4 cancer.” When she went into hospice, all I needed was a foreword to finish my book. I asked a childhood classmate for his endorsement since he was an expert on the subject I had written about. His response disappointed me—he was uncomfortable endorsing my fiction since he specialized in facts—yet his words spurred me to produce a documentary instead. We watched as God brought people and resources together to create an award-winning project with global impact. The experience enriched my testimony and allowed me to boast on God’s behalf, glorifying him for his work.
I would not have produced a documentary if I had received the endorsement. Had I wallowed in resentment and quit, God could not have stretched me and blessed others in the way that he did.
If we allow God to work in all of our circumstances, he can bring peace and fulfillment, and opportunities to brag about all that he has done through our experiences.
Trust God to turn your mess into a message.
Angela Golden Bryan is a graduate of Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University. She and her husband live in South Florida.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
