Did God Really Get This Right?

Some days my heart just aches for the traumas my students endure and how it affects, not only their learning, but also every aspect of their young lives. These precious little ones, each an amazing gift of God, are way too often mistreated, malnourished, ignored, upset, and the list goes on.

I find it difficult to balance this all in my brain. Each of these children is loved by God – of that I am certain. Why must they lead lives of such pain at such a young age? Who is there to advocate for them? Why does this happen?

I knew a little girl once. She was a quiet little thing. Frequently introspective and thoughtful, she took things in life very seriously. I always knew her to want to do the correct thing. It made her happy to please others and be the one they could count on. Somehow, amidst the trials of a life ruled by a deeply troubled father, she made her way in life, finding joy wherever possible and trying to remain positive even when life was really hard. Still, there were many tears and frustrations as she struggled to deal with the complexities of her young life.

I know she longed to have a stable family like she assumed others did. She hoped to rise out of her circumstances and build a life of meaning and worth. Yet, she struggled to figure out how to do that. Did God get it right when He put her in a family of poor financial means and disturbing behaviour? How was she to overcome such difficult circumstances to be a productive adult?

Well, that little girl is me. As I look back on my childhood, I know now that God did get it right. I have known the words of Moses to be true:

“He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He.” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV)

Like many of my students, my childhood was challenging. Had I grown up in an affluent home, with everything I wanted or needed being easily attainable, I would not so easily understand the needs and situations of a good portion of my students. If I had stability and a father who looked out for my wellbeing, I could not relate as well to the young ones I teach who come to school each day having faced innumerable hurts and trials even before the school day begins.

God did get it right when He gave me a mother who was a woman of faith and determination. He shined His love to me through her in her ingenious ways of finding a means to provide for me and nourish me body and spirit. I have known, for as long as I can remember, that God loves me and all humanity deeply. I have put my faith in the Rock who holds me close when life goes upside down. I can move forward because I truly believe these words of Moses. I know with great certainty that God does have it right. Whatever trials He leads me through, I know it will be for my good. I know (because I have seen it again and again) that He will help me use what I have learned in times of trial, to help others.

As I walk through some challenging days at the moment, I am reminded of my mom who pointed the way to hope. Her determination and the way she herself handled the upsets in life has given me a foundation when I too face challenges. I see time and time again how God works in and through my life – typically even better when life wasn’t so great and His power shone through.

How else would I have obtained a university education when my father refused to help me fund it? How else would I have gone on to touch the lives of thousands of students in my career – many like me, with difficult circumstances?

We have a flawless God, infinitely perfect. Yes, our sinful world brings pain and suffering; but our God is bigger than all of that. His timing and His ways are forever in our best interests. Like a loving parent or teacher, He sometimes has to offer us correction in various ways; but it is done in a way to lead us to a better life overall.

To those of you today who are grieving, hurting, wondering, despairing…remember that God has you in the palm of His hand. You are that close to Him forever and always. Pray that He will show where to go. Trust that He will lead you where it is best for you. Hold on to the hope that only He brings.

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