Everything’s Falling Apart!

Have you ever had one of those days when everything seems to go wrong?

Fenelon weighs in on the way we should bear these everyday disturbances, saying, “As to daily matters . . . or to providential arrangements, although they may be inconvenient or distracting, you have only to endure them in peace. Behind each . . . intruder, learn to see God governing all, and training your self-denial . . . The intruder whom God sends us serves to thwart our will, upset our plans . . . and to kindle in our hearts a greater thirst for God, even while He seems to be forsaking us . . .” (Dialogues of Fenelon, Pages 29-30).

In one of my favorite stories, The Basket of Flowers, Fenelon’s assertion proves true. A little girl by the name of Mary is falsely accused and threatened with the death penalty. Her alleged crime? Stealing a ring from royalty.

While imprisoned, Mary is offered an escape from her unjust punishment. All she has to do is confess to stealing the ring and her sentence would be lightened. Mary is torn.  Should she lie to save her life? Mary’s father wisely reminds her that it is better to die for the truth than to live for a lie, for the worst pillow to sleep on is the pillow of a guilty conscience!

Throughout this suspense-filled story, we see both the faithfulness of God and the maturing faith of Mary. What was at one time her father’s faith now, for the first time, becomes her own. Thankfully, God will not allow us to remain as we are.  He simply loves us too much. He will go to great lengths to change us, for He is more concerned for our holiness than our happiness. Remember, “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

Making ready a people prepared for the Lord,
Mark Hamby