Bedtime read-aloud’s were a big part of our daughters’ early childhood. I loved reading back through some of my own childhood favorites like Charlotte’s Web, A Little Princess, and of course, The Little House on the Prairie series.
We also discovered some new favorites, like The Bronze Bow and The Railway Children. That last one, written by E. Nesbit, was at times a bit difficult to understand because of its age (published in 1906) and setting (London, England). And while it’s not necessarily a “Christian” book, I remember how a certain section really spoke to my heart.
The mother in the story, who is a writer, explains to her son, Peter, that the way things happen in books are not always the way they play out in real life. Peter mentions how nice it would be if his mother could write the story of their family, and make the current difficulties they are facing go away.
Here’s how the mother responds:
“Don’t you think it’s rather nice to think that we’re in a book that God’s writing? If I were writing the book, I might make mistakes. But God knows how to make the story end just right – in the way that’s best for us.”
I could sit and meditate on that for a very long time.
God is the perfect author. He’s writing the book that is my life. Every part of it is there for a reason. He doesn’t have to go back and edit any parts out, because He never makes a mistake. He knows exactly what needs to be included, and what needs to be left out. The plot, the places, and the people in my book are arranged by Him.
Not only that, but every chapter has a purpose. There’s no randomness in my book. It all moves toward the intended conclusion of making me more like Him.
Only God knows how the book will end. If I will allow Him to work in and through me, the story will be one that brings honor and glory, not to me, but to the author.
This is just another way to look at what it means to trust God. Trust isn’t a one-time deal. I can’t just say, “Well, I trusted God through that situation in my past, so I’m good for whatever comes along next.”
No, While our faith grows based on past experiences and the faithfulness of our loving Heavenly Father, I don’t know that we’ll ever trust perfectly. In Keep a Quiet Heart, Elisabeth Elliot says, “Gold is gold, but it has to go through fire. Faith is even more precious, so faith will always have another test to stand.”
The God who loved me enough to send His only Son to die for me will only allow what is for my good into my life. As I submit my will and desires to Him, I can trust that, no matter what I encounter, God is writing my book. It’s one-of-a-kind, free of mistakes, and penned with love.
Related posts:
Trusting His Grace When I Can’t See His Face
What Ruth Teaches Me About Trusting God
7 Steps to Becoming a Wise Woman: Trust God
Very good way of putting it, Tracey. Thank you for this. I needed it today with all that is going on in my life right now. You are a blessing.
Thank you for your kind words! 🙂
Trusting that God will strengthen you today, and that you’ll see evidence of His love and care for you.
Oh, wow… I love that quote from the mother in the book… What powerful perspective!
I wish I had read this a couple of weeks ago when we were worried about our house flooding. God’s writing our stories, and He doesn’t make mistakes. But we don’t always enjoy the conflicts that He puts into them, like our house almost flooding.
No, the conflicts in our story are difficult! And while I wouldn’t necessarily ask for those hard chapters in life, I do find that I learn the most and grow closer to Him in those uncomfortable seasons.