God has something marvelous for you

I am long-acquainted with a wise businessman who told me that early in his career, without cause, a few of his coworkers mocked him, spread untruths and treated him unfairly.

He dealt with situations that he never thought he would have to tolerate. Enjoying his work in the manufacturing industry, this businessman had a wife and three young children to support.

So, endeavoring to make a good life for his family, and focusing on the positives; he just ignored the on-going ridicule and did his job to the best of his ability.

The businessman recalled that once he was rushing down the office hallway to get to a meeting and someone held out their foot, forcing him to trip. As the businessman hit the hard floor, all the papers he was holding fell to the ground.

Shaken, he slowly gathered his paperwork, got up, stood tall, and walked confidently ahead to his meeting.

What is incredible was this man did not try to get even with those who intentionally tried to hurt him. Instead, the businessman was tolerant, kind, held his peace and trusted God to bring him vindication. He continued to thank God for his health, family and career and kept a good attitude. For, somehow, in the middle of the challenges, God gave him the grace to endure.

I am reminded of the Scripture in Exodus 14:14 that says, “The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

As he was explaining his story, I asked, “So what happened?” questioning curiously.

“Eventually, I got promoted,” said the businessman.

But God didn’t stop there. “And one by one,” the businessman uttered, “they all ended up working for me.”

Like this businessman, sometimes God won’t remove you from a struggle immediately. But He will work the whole situation out to your good. And God will usher in promotion and deliverance.

My Italian grandmother used to say, “You can’t push the river.” Meaning, we have to be patient, even if we have to wait on God. Most often, we must give situations time to work themselves out.

And just because we may not know how conditions will ever turn around for us, or if there are no answers to our questions right now, we should trust that God knows what He is doing. Then, when the time is right, He will intervene.

• Have you fallen backward? Take one step and then another, and ultimately, you will eventually be in the lead.

• Maybe you were unsuccessful in an undertaking. Well, persist; try again and eventually you will succeed.

• Did someone unjustly knock you down? Trust in God, and before long, you will be advanced forward.

You are not going to continually struggle. You’ve worried long enough. Soon, God is going to ease that burden that you’ve been carrying. In the Old Testament, it tells how King Nebuchadnezzar threw Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in a fiery furnace since they stood up for truth, did what was right and wouldn’t bow down to an image of gold. On the surface, it appeared as their situation was hopeless. But they relied on God to give them strength, and believed for Him to do the impossible.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king.” (Daniel 3:16-17).

God honored their faith, and they emerged from the furnace unharmed. Nebuchadnezzar then set them free, and he declared the greatness of their God.

So, if you have found yourself burdened down, anxious, or scared about any area of your life, the God of miracles is here for you.

No matter what you’ve been through, what you are going through, or how small or large your needs may be, don’t get discouraged. It’s time to resist fear and worry and look to every new blessing that’s in store for you.

I recall, years back, when my family and I visited Disney World. The girls and I were waiting in a long line to ride, “It’s A Small World.” The roped in area was packed full of people and I was holding my threeyear-old daughter since we probably had at least a 45-minute wait.

Out of the blue, a woman who worked at the park walked up to me and said, “Come with me,” motioning with her hand. Confused for a second, not understanding why she was waving us ahead, I felt my face blush. So, I asked, “What did you say?” Greeting us warmly, she announced again, “Come with me.”

The girls and I followed her and for no reason she moved us up to the front of the line. I saw the amazement in my daughters’ shimmering ocean-blue eyes. And a smile spread across their faces, as we climbed into the boat ride.

I convey this to you because I believe that shortly you will move to the front of the line! Stumbling blocks will become building blocks, new opportunities will be presented to you, and in due course, you’ll move to the front of the line. Generals don’t lead armies from behind. They are in the front of the line. And so will you be!

Therefore, tomorrow morning when your alarm clock rings welcoming the day, don’t think of it as ‘an alarm.’ Think of it as an opportunity, chockfull of new possibilities for you to embrace and fulfill your utmost dreams. God has something marvelous in your future.

And most importantly, if you meet someone who needs your assistance; may it be a kind word, a helping hand or an opportunity you can provide, walk up to them and say, “Come with me,” and help them to reach the front of the line!