Refrigerators are a blessing. I can’t imagine having to live without this convenience we take for granted. It’s a marvel – until the power goes out or the fridge breaks down.
One November day during the first year in my condo in Illinois, the refrigerator died. It wasn’t a very good one and was small for the space allotted in the kitchen, unlike the nice one I had in my previous home. But it kept the food cold – until it stopped working. Taking advantage of the chilly weather outside, I used my balcony for temporary food storage.
When this happened, I thought of what the Bible says. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). I said, “Lord, I love you and I am called according to your purpose. I can hardly wait to see how you’re going to work this together for good for me.”
The owners of my unit asked me to go to the appliance store and find a refrigerator like the one that had broken down, buy it, and arrange for delivery. I could deduct the price from my next rent check. I agreed, but in a moment of inspiration I asked if I could buy one that I really liked instead and pay them the difference between the model of my choice and the one like the old one. They said that would be fine.
As it turned out, a refrigerator exactly like the one I’d left behind was on sale that weekend. The price difference between the two refrigerators was only $400. So, for $400 I had a brand-new $1,400 fridge! A few months later, I purchased the condo, and that new refrigerator was already there. A few days of storing food on my balcony was a small price to pay for the nice refrigerator! God really worked that situation together for good for me.
When something goes wrong, it’s tempting to get upset and say, “Why is this happening to me?” But God is always looking for opportunities to bless us. When we’re thinking clearly, we’ll remember to say, “Lord, I can hardly wait to see how you’re going to make this work together for good for me. What a fun way to live!
If you would like to learn more about the goodness of God, come visit a service at Charis Christian Church, 4811 E. Julep St., Mesa, Suite 101.