February 8
Scripture: 2 Cor 4:8
Source author: Elsi Dodge
February 18
Redeeming the Years The Lord says, “ I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts.” —Joel 2:25
I know this is part of God’s plan,” Lisa said about her husband’s death. “And I don’t like God’s plan.” I hear her. I was molested as a child. Divorced—twice! Subject to panic attacks and depression. Terribly overweight. Lonely, often afraid, awkward around other people. “What a loser!” I’d say to myself. And yet . . . I’ve helped countless emotionally disturbed children because I know what they’re going through. I can’t judge other women in difficult marriages, and they know I understand their pain. Don’t try to tell me that depression is due to lack of faith; I know better. I’ve lost over eighty pounds; I co-lead a Bible study; I’ve found an unexpected store of empathy and compassion. Did God cause my problems so I could help others? Not a chance. But He doesn’t waste anything, even my pain.
God loves us enough to redeem everything in our lives. — Elsi Dodge —