EVERYBODY HAS A STORY

Everybody has a story. That’s what they say, anyway. Of course, we all know some stories are more exciting and adventurous than others. Some people travel, some have daring occupations or hobbies, others can afford to go anywhere, have anything, do anything they’d like to. That’s not me. I’ve often thought, though, that I have a story to tell, and although it’s not all that heart-pounding, breath-taking exciting, it may be of interest to some. The Lord has taken me on a path through life with many twists and turns, a lot of bumps, some really big mountains, and some very deep valleys. Through that journey He’s taught me a few things about faith and love, family and ministry, and just living for Him. I’ve failed some tests, had some victories, suffered disappointments and heartaches and enjoyed boundless blessings from above.

It is really astounding to know that long before we were born God had our lives already planned out for us. I Timothy 1:9 has been a favorite verse of mine for thirty-five years. It says, “Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” (KJV) That plan for our lives is by His grace alone and for His purpose—and He made it before He had even created the world! Amazing, isn’t it?

Jeremiah 29:11 is another favorite verse of many, including me. It says, “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (NLT) God sees our life journey from the moment of our conception to the end of our time here on earth—the whole path from beginning to end, all at once, without the twists and turns and obstacles that obscure our view. We can rest in the knowledge that through the quicksand, the thorns, the desert and storm He walks beside us toward the bright future and hope He has in store for us.

Back in 1996 I wrote a poem about the plan for my life—how I might have planned it if I could, and how God planned it instead. I don’t remember the exact circumstances under which I wrote it, but we must have been going through a rough time. A couple years ago Julie came across it, had it framed and gave it to me for Mother’s Day. I cried when I read it. It seemed even more significant to my life now than when I’d originally written it.

If I had planned my own life
I’d never worry about bills,
We’d have the cash for fun things
And to buy those little frills.
Our house would be so lovely
And we’d drive a newer car.
I’d love to give to everyone
And travel near and far.

But I’m not the one who planned my life.
God planned it for my best.
He knew the every need we’d have
And provided every test
To walk by faith and trust in Him
For our daily needs.
You know, He’s never let us down.
He provides, protects and leads.

If I had planned my own life
I think I’d like to be a writer,
Or have some special ministry
To make this dark world brighter.
But no great work have I,
No audience to thrill;
I change diapers, cook and clean
In a corner dark and still.

But God who planned my life for me
Knew that no ministry is small
When it’s done to glorify the Lord
And in answer to His call.
Although my job is humble
And the lives I touch are few,
When done as unto Him I’m blessed
And those near me are blessed, too.

If I had planned my own life
I’d be a perfect “ten” –
Lithe and lean and lovely,
And never watch my weight again.
I’d eat anything I wanted,
I’d fit in anything I tried.
I’d grow old so very gracefully
And be lovely ‘til I died.

But God planned my life out His way.
He made my body and my mind.
He knew the strength and discipline
And self-control that I must find.
And so I count my blessings
For in ages past He planned
His very best for me,
And I’m safe within His hands.

© 1996 Cynthia S. Griffith

In the weeks and months ahead I would like to tell a little of my story through this blog. When I told my sister what I wanted to do here, she laughed and said, “So you’re going to share your wisdom with us?” Well, I don’t know if I have any real “wisdom” to dispense, but in my fifty-something years the Lord has certainly taught me many things and blessed me abundantly. Together with some passages from God’s Word, perhaps they will be a blessing to you, too. I’d love to have you share with me how God has led you on your life’s journey, too. Everybody has a story. What’s yours?