There is a woman who arrives early at church every Sunday, simply because it is the place where she has loved and served for over four decades. Though this eighty-year-old woman had to step away from her beloved pulpit years before, she continues to attend every Sunday morning. She is often seen helping prepare lunch, organizing bicycles that are haphazardly parked, or lending a listening ear to members facing spiritual challenges or life hardships. This sister never stopped her serving after retirement, much like Samuel, who stepped down as judge but remained by the alter as God’s servant.

Photo by Jp Valery from Burst

In her youth, few people in her village were educated, especially women. Though physically frail, she had a sharp brain. Her parents overcame many obstacles to send her to school. The assiduous girl finally was admitted to a Normal School she had long dreamed of attending. The school, however, suddenly closed in her final year, ending her hopes of becoming a teacher. At 18, she was forced to return to the village, where she began to do needlework and farm labor that was unfamiliar to her for over the past decade. Around her were scoffs and mockery from others.

She also felt an inner struggle and a sense of unwillingness, as her life seemed to drift further and further from her childhood dreams. Her mother, a devout Christian, said, “God intended it for good, for everything is part of God’s perfect plan.” But at that time, she could only think, “These are just comforting words.”

Later, she married and became a mother, working tirelessly through cold winter days and scorching summer times. The heavy labor left calluses on her hands. Yet unexpectedly, it strengthened her body. Since childhood, racheitis had plagued her, with the worst symptoms keeping her awake throughout the night in winters. Only by half-sitting and leaning could she manage some brief rest. But as she grew physically stronger, the persistent symptoms gradually disappeared. The frail young woman became a capable homemaker.

At age 35, a newly established church in her county needed people and resources to grow. Feeling called by God, she responded and began her journey of service that would continue for more than four decades.

Looking back on her life, she now sees clearly that “God intended it for good”. God had equipped her intellectually, giving her a natural ability to absorb Biblical truths and preach from the pulpit. God had also strengthen her physically, preparing her to handle the demands of church building and pastoral ministry. She loves the congregation she has served, and they, in turn, show her great respect. She finds fulfillment in her work and holds a grateful heart for a life she feels is unregrettable and is even more meaningful than her childhood aspirations.

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20) Joseph spoke these words to his brothers, who once plotted to kill him and sold him into slavery, but now stood trembling before their younger brother. At that moment, Joseph was the ruler of all Egypt, while his brothers, suffering from a severe famine in their homeland, had no food to eat.

Jealousy had led his brothers to throw him into a pit, where the helpless young Joseph faced the shadow of death. Once his father’s beloved son, he was now sold into a foreign land as a slave, feeling only sadness and helplessness. He was framed and jailed in the dark prison cell, where his faith was tested again and again. Had he given in to despair while in the pit, succumbed to the temptation from his master’s wife, or complained and discarded God in his hardships, then the story of Joseph might have ended differently: “What else can I do? My own brothers betrayed me, my superior persecuted me -- where can I go? I'm just a victim.” If so, Joseph would never experience the fulfillment of God’s greater plan and could not joyfully declare: “God intended it for good!”

If you find yourself being in the deep pit of betrayal, would you be willing to place your faith in God’s unchanging love, as Joseph did? When trapped in dilemmas, would you seek God’s merciful hand? In times of pain and suffering, would you trust that your Savior is with you in life’s storms and will calm the winds at the right time? It is the highs and lows of your life that create a beautiful psalm. The broken and disordered pieces of your experiences form a unique masterpiece. May we learn to recognize God’s incredible shaping through our rises and falls, His guidance in every trial and setback.

No matter how cold the night may seem, there will always come a time when we are bathed in the morning light of God’s grace, able to proclaim together: “God intended it for good!”

Author: Liu Lingwei

Translator: Bei Feng