“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28 NIV
We did not see any bears on our canoe trip. On the day we were to leave for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, the forest service closed the entire wilderness. Numerous fires, high temperatures, and dry conditions led them to take this unusual step. Needless to say, the youth and leaders were disappointed. Last year we camped on Disappointment Lake, and it was wonderful. But this year’s disappointment is truly disappointing.
Life can be that way sometimes, even when you trust in the promise of Romans 8:28, that God works for good in all things. Perhaps the closure spared us from misery in the 97-degree temps. Or maybe it prevented illness and a paddle out to an emergency room. Perhaps something good will happen here at home this week. I don’t know what good there is in this cancelled trip. The fact is, we often can’t see any good in our disappointments.
Romans 8:28 is a promise we experience by faith, not always by sight. Our eyes may only see the disappointments. God alone sees the bigger picture. This doesn’t stop our disappointments from being disappointing, but it does help us to face them with grace and trust.
Hope your week is not disappointing. Blessings and peace to you even if it is.
Pastor Mark