Rev’s Uplifting Story Of God’s Love, Plans, and Purposes

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Do you ever question God’s love? Have you ever doubted His plans and purposes?

I’ve been reading Joseph’s story in the Book of Genesis this week. His father favored him, and His brothers sold him into slavery. A bitter woman lied about him, and he was thrown into prison. Joseph was 17 when his brothers sold him and 30 when Pharaoh made him a leader in Egypt.

13 years.

God knew the big plans and purposes He had for Joseph, but it seems the “Dreamer” had a lot of growing to do first.

Near the end of Genesis, after their father died, Joseph’s brothers were afraid that he might retaliate for all they had done to him. But rather than getting even, Joseph said…

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done.”

Genesis 50:20 (NIV)

We all have a story, and I’ve been wanting to share some of Rev’s story with you.

He:

• Was the youngest of four boys.
• Almost drowned and was rescued by a neighbor as a young child
• Was hit by a car going 55 mph while crossing a busy road.
• And was hospitalized for weeks, spending the first semester of 3rd grade at home.

His:

• Father abandoned their family when he was 12, leaving them emotionally and financially in debt.

As a teen, he:

• Attended high school 3 states from home, to begin his pre-ministerial studies at the age of 15.
• Contemplated suicide when he was 16.
• And graduated as Valedictorian of his class at 17.

Those are just some of the highlights. Like Joseph, he learned that what the enemy intended to harm him, God used for good.

Rev’s older brothers taught him to be strong. After his father left, a neighbor gave him a job doing yard work. He learned a work ethic. The accident taught him to be aware of his surroundings and the importance of patience through healing. His 3rd-grade teacher tutored him, teaching him kindness, encouragement, and how to study.

His mother showed him love and care for others while trusting the Lord to give strength in weakness. Finally, the people at his church helped pay for his education, showing him God’s love, care, and compassion.

I know the 18-year-old college freshman I met would not have been who he was had it not been for the things God used to mold and shape him.

All parents want to protect their children from difficult and painful circumstances, but God knows the plans He has for each of us. He knows what’s needed to mold us and make us into people He can use to accomplish those plans.

So, although we may not understand God’s ways, we can trust His love.

I am beyond thankful that the Lord spared Rev’s life again and again. Yes, it would have been lovely if he could have gone through an easy childhood without pain and with every desire being met.

But God had different plans, and I am also thankful that He carefully and lovingly molded Rev into the loving, caring, faith-filled man who led our family.

Charles Spurgeon wrote…

“God is too good to be unkind. Too wise to be mistaken; and when you cannot trace His hand, you can trust His heart.” 

God promises…

The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
    No one can measure the depths of His understanding.
He gives power to the weak
    and strength to the powerless.

Isaiah 40:28b–29

Let’s pray…

A Prayer of Thanks for
God’s Love, Plans, and Purposes

Heavenly Father, Your Word tells us that You watched us being formed from the moment of conception. You know every detail of our lives from beginning to end, before a moment happens. (Psalm 139)

You chose the time, place, and people needed to mold us and make us into individuals who can accomplish the plans and purposes You have prepared for us.

You inspired Solomon to write…

We can make our plans,
    but the Lord determines our steps.

You can make many plans,
    but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.

Proverbs 16:9, Proverbs 19:21

We want comfortable, easy lives, and we want to give the same to our children. But You know what we need to prepare us for our appointed future. You created each of us for Your glory. You made us to share Your love and the hope found in knowing and trusting You.

You love us and faithfully do what is best, even when we don’t understand. Forgive our weaknesses and tendency to whine and complain about the challenges before us. Please give me the strength I need and help me keep my eyes on You in faith.

And this day, I pause personally to thank you for Rev. For sparing his life repeatedly and for using all he went through as a child to make him a man who faithfully loved You, His family, and the people he served in Your name.

When we don’t understand Your ways, help us trust Your love and live with hope. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Amen.

Here are a few verses from Rev’s favorite chapter…

We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.) And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.

Romans 8:24–26a, 28, 35, 37-38a

God is love. He is trustworthy. And He knows every detail of our lives, guiding us and giving us everything we need through good times and bad.

May the Lord fill you with His love, give you His strength, and bless you throughout your journey.

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