Sunday, October 27, 2013

Romans 8:28



I had the greatest talk with one of my high school girls last week...

Throughout the past two years she has been through the wringer and back. As if high school wasn't stressful enough, her Dad was diagnosed with leukemia. After a year of treatments, his health remained on a steady and terrifying decline. We spent so many nights in tears as a small group praying for a miracle - and we finally got one. He started responding to chemo and today he is cancer free.

Although the medical issue was resolved, the cancer had wrecked havoc on his body and the relational health of their family. With tensions high and finances tight, my sweet girl worried that the bond between her and her father was forever severed. After more nights in tearful prayers, we saw a healing of another kind. Today, the two of them make a point to get breakfast periodically and work on their communication. 

All of this back-story is to relay to you the encouragement he gave his daughter the last time they had breakfast...

With her stomach in knots, my girl was stressing out about college applications and the daunting year ahead of her as a senior in high school. She felt overwhelmed and discouraged and her Dad could tell. He asked what was bothering her and listened intently as she described her impending decisions. When she paused for fear of tearing up in public, he gave her this advice:

"Everything has always worked out for me. I've always believed that and it's always been true. You have a stronger faith because you know God. Everything has always worked out for me and you are my daughter. You are my daughter and everything is going to work out for you."

I fought back a lump in my throat as she told me about this conversation. I think it struck me because it is the truest and simplest advice. I couldn't help but imagining God himself sitting across from me, just wanting to reassure me of my future. The next time I'm faced with another one of life's curve balls, I will hear only this:

"You are my daughter and everything is going to work out for you."

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