READ: 1 Peter 1:1-9
A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. —Proverbs 16:9
My friend Linda grew up planning to become a medical missionary. She loves the Lord and wanted to serve Him as a doctor by taking the gospel to sick people in parts of the world where medical care is hard to find. But God had other plans. Linda has indeed become a medical missionary, but not the way she expected.
At age 14, Linda developed a chronic health problem that required her to be hospitalized for major surgery several times a year. She survived bacterial meningitis that left her in a coma for 2 weeks and blind for 6 months. She once celebrated two birthdays in a row in the hospital—without going home in between. She has had several experiences when she was not expected to live. But yet Linda is the most vibrant, grateful, and cheerful person you will ever meet. She once told me that her mission field, as she hoped and planned, is the hospital. But instead of serving God as a doctor, she serves Him as a patient. No matter how sick she is, the light of the Lord radiates from her.
Linda exemplifies the teaching of the apostle Peter. Despite her trials, she rejoices, and the genuineness of her faith brings “praise, honor, and glory” to Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:6-7). —Julie Ackerman Link
Lord, I’m so thankful that no matter where
we are, we can serve You. Help me to reflect
Your image in my current situation, even
if it’s not where I hoped I would be.
Write your plans in pencil and remember that God has the eraser.
Bible in a year: Proverbs 30-31; 2 Corinthians 11:1-15
