Test Time

One year we purchased all the guy’s Christmas gifts months early because of bargains we couldn’t pass up, packed them in a large box, and stored it. When it was time to wrap presents, we couldn’t find them, looking everywhere, even where a box that size couldn’t possibly fit.

As I compose articles, God “preaches” each message to me first: “In all things, give thanks.” “God works all things together for good.” “Trust in the Lord.” “Wait on His timing.” I’m thankful for His inspiration because He intends the stories and Bible verses for my benefit, often testing my faith. The mysterious gifts’ disappearance was such a test. Though trivial compared to other matters that could shake us to the core, it was significant, reminding me that sometimes, situations we experience make no sense. We decide whether to allow life’s disturbances to throw us off-balance or deal with them by turning to and giving them to the Lord. He alone knows life’s “where’s,” “how’s,” and “whys”—we can trust Him to deal with them rightly. Even after packing our belongings to move, the missing box didn’t resurface. But such things, trivial or core-shaking, should alter our gratitude for God’s goodness, presence, provisions, and Jesus, who was, is, and soon returning. “Unto Thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto Thee, O God, do we give thanks: for that Thy name is near and Thy wondrous works declare.” (Psalm 75:1)