Answers

By   •   May 16, 2008   •   Topics:

Q:

For several years my father was disabled and my mother faithfully cared for him, although it was very hard. Now I'm facing a similar situation with my husband, and I thank God every day for her example. Does God sometimes prepare us for things like this, even when we aren't aware of it?


A:

Yes, God often teaches us lessons that we’ll need in the future, although we often aren’t even aware of it at the time.

After all, God isn’t only concerned about what’s happening to us right now; He also knows our future, and He knows all about the trials (and joys) it may bring us. This certainly seems to have been the case in your life, and I’m thankful for your mother’s faithfulness to your father. I doubt if she was even aware that she was being an example to you. This is often the case; we never know who is watching us or what impact we may be having on their lives. The Bible says, “In everything set them an example by doing what is good” (Titus 2:7).

But I hope you not only learned from your mother what it means to set aside your own plans and serve someone who was facing a serious need. I hope you also learned from her what it means to trust God, even in the midst of hard times. The psalmist wrote, “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken” (Psalm 37:25).

Life isn’t always the way we wish it were – but God never changes, and neither does His love. The proof is Jesus Christ, who gave His life for us. Do you know Him, and are you trusting Him for the strength and hope you’ll need for the future?