I just finished reading a book called Louisa on the Front Lines. It is about Author Louisa May Alcott (author of Little Women) before, during and after the Civil War. Much of the book is about her being a nurse in a Union Hospital during the War and her interactions with her patients. One patient in particular, John Suhre, would affect her the rest of her life. He was a man who suffered in dignity. He was kind. He was gentle. I think he was injured in the first battle he was in and spent the rest of his days in the hospital where Louisa served. Some would say the rest of his life was a waste, but the affect he had on Louisa and her future writings has affected all of Lousia's readers (which probably are in the millions). That young man had no idea his most important work would be in a dirty hospital bed where he lay dying.
He was obviously a Believer, one wise beyond his years.
"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven--" Ecclesiastes 3:1
God will work all situations and all interactions we have with others into His plan. He will take tragedy and joy and even horrible pasts and use them all for great good in His children's lives (and in the lives of those who do not yet know Him).
I know of people (and you probably do too or you are one of them) who are suffering incredibly right now. Even those sufferings God will use.
Last night on the news I saw film of starving toddlers in Yemen because of the war that is taking place there (If you want to see this story click here). War is evil And yes, sometimes they are fought for noble causes, but there is always so much death and destruction that come along with it. Yet, God can even use these situations for great good in His children's lives. Pray for the end to this war.
In heaven there is no war. There is no famine. There is no heartache. There is no pain. There is just joy and delight and wonderful things we cannot imagine. Jesus said He is the way to Heaven (I am the way and the the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me). If you have not yet accepted Christ, please do. You will immediately be given His peace and His forgiveness. You will immediately have a new purpose for living. Click here if you don't know how to accept Him or need help with this.
Next week we officially start the holiday season with the holy day Thanksgiving. Make it special this year. Keep Jesus in it. Have great conversation. Don't worry about the dishes until everyone leaves. Enjoy each other. Every single person you celebrate with is loved by Father God!