Trinity Free Church Huntingdon

‘…When I go to Spain I hope to visit you…’ Romans 15:24

There’s so much talk in the church these days about self-help that divine providence is seldom mentioned. We do not decide God’s plan for our lives, we discover it. Much of the time we do not understand how God leads us. It is only in looking back that we see the big picture. Paul wrote, ‘When I go to Spain I hope to visit you.’ But he never made it. Instead he finished up in one of Europe’s worst prisons, but from there he wrote the Epistles. If we really believe that God is directing our steps - why do we complain so much?

One of England’s finest preachers determined that his wife’s failing health must keep him from ministering at a great conference in America. Although he purchased his ticket, the ship sailed without him. Thus, J Stuart Holden missed a golden opportunity in the prime of his preaching career. A devoted husband, Holden gave himself to caring for his wife and tried not to think of what he was missing on the other side of the Atlantic.

We’re too easily disappointed when our plans fall through; too easily discouraged when ‘great career opportunities’ are missed. Our complaining reveals the fact that we do not know God like we say we do. Delay is often just the protective hand of a loving Father. It certainly was for Holden. Until the day he died he resolved never to question God’s timing again. The unused ticket he held, reserved his passage on a new luxury liner - The RMS Titanic!

The above has been taken from The Word for Today (UCB has given permission for this article to be reproduced). Free issues of this daily devotional are available from:

UCB (United Christian Broadcasters)

PO Box 255,
Stoke-on-Trent,
ST4 8YY,
England.
Tel: 0845 6040401

Website: http://www.ucb.co.uk/