All things work together for good

In stillness stood young Alona, clasped a parcel tight, A ghost from distant shadows, in morning’s tender light.

“It’s back!” she gasped, disbelief coursed through her veins,

The promise of a publisher turned bitter with disdain.

Months of toil, sleepless nights, her dreams now cast aside,
A manuscript of passion, now swallowed by the tide.
Back to her shelves she turned, to dust and deep regret,
Another tale of failure, another loss to fret.

“Disappointments, they are countless,” she murmured, heart in pain,
“But why, oh why, does hurt return like whispers in the rain?”
“Am I to be a writer?” echoed in her mind,
Each setback felt like shackles, each doubt a tethered bind.

“Come with me to the village,” her father gently said,
“To breathe beyond the pages, let the weight of worry shed.”
And so they left at dawn’s first light, through fields so rich and green,
But fate, it wove a twisted thread; they knew not what it meant.

A message swift as arrows, their home now cloaked in flame,
Neighbors gathered, valiant hearts, yet much was lost to shame.
Panic seized their weary souls as flames danced wild and high,
But among the ruins, a hidden chance lay low.

For in the chaos, manuscripts, once deemed as dreams denied,
Caught the eye of fortune’s friend, a publisher’s swift stride.
“Gems!” he cried, “these stories, why were they not seen before?
So much potential waits within, a treasure to explore.”

“What kept her from her fortune?” the neighbor then explained,
“Each time she sought a pathway, another heartache claimed.”
“Perhaps divine design,” he said with hopeful gleam,
“Is why the world awaits her words, to weave a brighter dream.”

And as they reached their scorched abode, with worry turned to cheer,
The agent placed in Alona’s hands a future bright and clear.
Tears streamed down her radiant face, her heart began to sing,
“All things work together for good—this joy that faith can bring.”

In loss, she found her purpose, in ashes, rise anew,
For every page unwritten, there lies a story true.
Alona’s heart, once heavy, now danced in sweet delight,
A tale of hope and beauty, emerging from the night.

Romans 8:28 CJB

²⁸ Furthermore, we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called in accordance with his purpose;

Ecclesiastes 3:11 CJB

¹¹ He has made everything suited to its time; also, he has given human beings an awareness of eternity; but in such a way that they can’t fully comprehend, from beginning to end, the things God does.

Psalms 27:13-14 CJB

¹³ If I hadn’t believed that I would see
Adonai’s goodness in the land of the living, . . .
¹⁴ Put your hope in Adonai, be strong,
and let your heart take courage!
Yes, put your hope in Adonai!

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God Said I will turn

I will turn
Your mourning into dancing,
Your sorrow into rivers of joy,
Your fear into unshaken faith,
And where there is darkness, I’ll bring light.

Where doubt once lingered, true faith will grow,
where there is despair, hope will surely flow.
Where there is betrayal, justice will reign,
where there is condemnation, love will remain.

Where ruthlessness abounds, kindness will bloom,
where rejection strikes, acceptance finds room.
Where anxiety rules, peace will descend,
and where there is lack, abundance I'll send.

Where brokenness lies, I’ll make you whole,
in moments of loss, I’ll strengthen your soul.
Where there is turmoil, calmness will rise,
and where there is bitterness, forgiveness resides.

Where toxicity forms, a defence I'll provide,
in uncertain futures, a shelter to hide.
Where conflicts arise, mutual respect will be,
and indifference will turn to love set free.

Where purpose seems lost, I’ll guide your way,
with wisdom that shines through night and day.
Where poverty dwells, my grace will sustain,
and lift you from every burden and pain.

Psalms 30:12 CJB

^2 (11) You turned my mourning into dancing!
You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

John 16:20

Complete Jewish Bible

20 Yes, it’s true. I tell you that you will sob and mourn, and the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.

Psalms 125:1 CJB

(1) Those who trust in Adonai

are like Mount Tziyon,

which cannot be moved

but remains forever.

Acts 26:18 CJB

18 to open their eyes; so that they will turn from darkness to light, from the power of the Adversary to God, and thus receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who have been separated for holiness by putting their trust in me.’

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The Goodness of God

 Anne stood before the crowd, her heart aglow,

From all walks of life, they watched her so.

The goodness of God she began to unfold,

A tale of faith, resilience, and stories told.

 

"God's goodness," she said, "helped me raise alone,

Three young children, when my husband was gone.

By God’s grace money flowed from family and friends,

They helped me build a rental home.

 

When my children left, my nest became bare,

A new neighbour came, and a sweet friendship we did share.

Together we baked, joyful in our task,

A thriving bakery, all we could ask.

 

Years later, doctors wrote me off to die,

But our collective faith in the living God, kept me alive.

'Were you not afraid?' a voice from the throng,

'Every moment of the day I was so fearful,' she said.

In Jesus' arms, I pictured myself,

And slowly but surely, my mind came to rest.

 

Millions prayed, their voices as one,

God's hand touched her, the healing begun.

Her eyes sparkled with joy, she beamed,

For in His grace, she was redeemed.

 

Hope's doors opened wide, her travels began,

To churches worldwide,

They invited her, at their own expense,

To witness her miracle, their faith immense.

 

To see how God touched her, made her whole,

With stories of faith, their hearts consoled.

The goodness of God, she gladly proclaim,

A beacon of hope, to the lost in this world.

 

Psalm 27:13

Complete Jewish Bible

¹³ If I hadn’t believed that I would see
Adonai’s goodness in the land of the living,

 

Psalm 34:8

Complete Jewish Bible

^8 (7) the angel of Adonai, who encamps
around those who fear him, delivers them.

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The Sinner and the Saint

Dear Lord, the pompous man shouted at the altar of an old church.

“I have done it all Lord,

I have completed all that you wanted me to do.

I have written so many books based on your word

I have sung so many hymns at every occasion

I have been directly or indirectly involved in a whole lot of mission work

I have done it all Lord. I am ready to go home.

The elderly priest sitting at the back of the church heard this man's prayer 

And gave a small chuckle.

The man had just left and an unkempt man barely able to walk steadily

Fell at the altar

“Lord you have to help me.

Sarah won’t let me in, she had warned me if I drink again she will surely leave me.

Father you know she's all I got and I don’t want her to go.

Father please help me overcome this weakness.

The rate at which I am going I don’t know when my boss will relieve me of my job.

Father please help me.

The elderly priest looked at his assistant and nodded his head to him

And together they both made the way to the front to where the broken man lay at the altar.

“Son, the priest said as he bent down and touched the man by his shoulder.

The man in his disoriented state looked up in confusion.

Slowly he was able to recognize the priest and stood up unsteadily.

“Father”, the man said. “Don’t worry” the priest interrupted him 

God is close to the broken hearted.

How many children do you have?”

He hung his head in silence

“Oh I see! Would you like to help out at the orphanage when you are free?

The children will be truly blessed to have young adults like you to serve them.

The man nodded.

And true to his word he was there at the orphanage every weekend spending time with the children.

In time, he no longer drank and he looked so happy.

One day, he came to meet the priest smiling ear to ear.

What is it Peter? The priest asked

“I am going to be a father.”

“Oh I am so happy for you”, the priest answered warmly.

“When you put your own pain past you and decided to help the helpless.

God has given you your heart's desires and answered your prayers.

God bless you, my son.

Walk in his ways and watch him bless you in ways you can never imagine.

 

Luke 18:10-14 CJB

10 "Two men went up to the Temple to pray, one a Parush and the other a tax-collector.

11 The Parush stood and prayed to himself, `O God! I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity -- greedy, dishonest, immoral, or like this tax-collector!

12 I fast twice a week, I pay tithes on my entire income, . . . '

13 But the tax-collector, standing far off, would not even raise his eyes toward heaven, but beat his breast and said, `God! Have mercy on me, sinner that I am!'

14 I tell you, this man went down to his home right with God rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but everyone who humbles himself will be exalted."

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The Anchor Holds

“Hiya, uncle Tom , how do you like it living by the sea?

The young lad asked the old sailor out of curiosity.

“Sometimes, drawled out the old man,

When I feel the rage of the wind,

Fierce enough to tear down my little house by the shore.

Or when I watch the relentless crashing of the waves 

On the huge rocks there by the harbour.

Or sometimes when I watch the little boats getting tossed about by the angry sea 

I immediately look for the anchor,

For you see, he said in the way of explanation, “the anchor holds”,

However rough the sea gets, the anchor holds those boats never letting it go.

A big smile crossed comes his face.

It makes me realise he said, in a way of reflection.

No matter whatever the storm is in my life chasing after me, the arm of a heavenly father will never let go of me.

I am standing on the rock you know, as the good word says, so I always feel safe here, peaceful and happy too”. The young lad looking amazed nodded his head in agreement.

Matthew 7:24-27 C. J. B.

24 “So, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on bedrock. 25 The rain fell, the rivers flooded, the winds blew and beat against that house, but it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a stupid man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain fell, the rivers flooded, the wind blew and beat against that house, and it collapsed — and its collapse was horrendous!”

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The Underdog

Joe, the underdog performed with all his might

As usual he was waiting for the chants. 

"Loser!", "loser! ", 

"Trying to compete with the giants.

Go to where you belong 

To the slums which is your battleground."

Silently he used to walk away with 

Shame burning in his face.

His heart bursting with pain.

"I will come again  next year," 

I am not going to give up till I win." he declared.

But that year something happened

He had given his life to Jesus.

This time he came armed with scriptures.

And to his surprise he won!

Romans 8:31 C. J. B.

31 What, then, are we to say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Deuteronomy 20:1 C.J.B.

20 “When you go out to fight your enemies and see horses, chariots and a force larger than yours, you are not to be afraid of them; because Adonai your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you.

From then on the Joe never lost a single game. 

Wherever he went he would here the loud chants from his fans.

"The underdog winner man"!

He just smiled acknowledged his heavenly father and walked away.

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Redeemed

The young man looked dishevelled and distraught.

Sat at the last row of the church.

The memoires of visiting this church a thousand times as a child flooded his mind as he sat listening to the dull voice of the pastor.

“Lost, I lost it all”, he whispered in prayer.

“I'm sorry grandpa I know it’s too late, but please forgive me wherever you are.

You tried your level best to stop from going the wrong way

But I didn’t listen.

Dropping out of school, joining the band,

Travelling like a gypsy,

Marrying the wrong girl.

Losing the baby.

A broken marriage.

Surviving on odd jobs.

The list goes on.

Why didn’t I listen grandpa!

You didn’t raise me up to be like this.

I let you and grandma down.

Also my parents in heaven and God almighty.

I lost it all”! 

Suddenly he felt a shake on his shoulder.

He looked up, the church was empty.

An elderly man who happened to be the pastor was staring at him.

“Ben!” he exclaimed. Startled, the young man got up, not many knew his real name.

It’s indeed Benjamin! The carbon copy of his grandfather.

 He gave him a bear hug.

“I am so glad to see you son.

Come with me to my office.

Handing him a huge envelope. He said,

Your grandfather left you a large sum of money and his house.

He was confident you will come by one day

I have raised him well, he used to say

When he comes to his senses he will find his way home again.”

Proverbs 22:6 CJB

⁶ Train a child in the way he [should] go;
    and, even when old, he will not swerve from it.

Jeremiah 31:11 CJB

^11 (12) They will come and sing on the heights of Tziyon,
streaming to the goodness of Adonai,
to the grain, the wine, the olive oil,
and the young of the flock and the herd.
They themselves will be like a well-watered garden,
never to languish again.

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