We Can Trust the Author of Our Story

God knows how the story ends.

It was true about the story of Easter, which we celebrated a few weeks ago. It’s true about the story of COVID-19—what has happened, what is happening, and what the world will look like when it’s all over. And it’s true about each one of our individual stories too.

But there’s more. God doesn’t just know how the story ends. In some sovereign way that I’m not sure any human can fully understand or explain, He is personally involved with writing the story.

A favorite verse of mine describes Jesus as the “author and finisher of our faith” (or, as another translation puts it, “the author and perfecter” of our faith, emphasis mine). (Hebrews 12:2)

In editorial terms, if our faith journeys were books, we might say He is simultaneously the writer, editor and proofreader. That’s not how things work in the publishing business, but clearly, God can handle the job.

I am usually OK with this when it comes to my own life, but when a loved one’s story takes a turn I’m not expecting, I get a little antsy. In fact, there are times when the story simply has to hint at the turn, and not actually take it, for this to happen.

Not too long ago, for example, someone in my house complained of a problem that is sometimes a symptom of COVID-19. Naturally, I didn’t just assume it was something she ate. I went from zero to 100 faster than you can say worst-case scenario handbook.

Fear assailed. What-ifs harangued. Even my normal go-to activities during times of uncertainty didn’t help.

Somewhere along the way (it took much longer than it should have, honestly), I thought of the line from The Chronicles of Narnia that has been on the wall above my kitchen sink for years.

“I am telling you your story, not hers. I tell no one any story but his own.”

Suddenly, I realized the fallacy of my thinking.

It’s so easy get derailed by our own point of view, isn’t it? As if it’s up to us to control every detail of someone else’s potentially difficult situation, including the outcome.

I don’t know about you, but before I even know what—if anything—I’m dealing with, I’m besieged with questions like, What will I do if this happens? How will I take care of everyone? How is everything going to work out? What if this turns into something really bad?

What I often lose sight of is the fact that God is writing everyone’s stories, not just mine. That what He allows in the lives of other people is part of His story for them.

Yes, it often touches my life, sometimes in drastic ways. But the author and perfecter of my faith also is the author and perfecter of my husband’s faith, and of my daughters’ faith.

Sometimes, our loved ones’ stories include hard chapters—even hard endings—that we don’t like or understand. But God is still involved, shaping the narrative that develops their character and hones their faith.

Romans 8:28 promises that all things to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. But it’s up to God—not us—to decide what that looks like for people who are dear to us.

It falls on us, not to control the situation or worry about the things beyond our control, but to trust in God’s goodness. To believe that He has the eternal best interests of our loved ones at heart. To remember that He is writing their stories in a way that will ultimately bring Him glory.

And, as Hebrews 12:1 instructs us, to run the race that is set before us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Not on everyone else and their stories. Only on Jesus.

♥ Lois

P.S. I’m linking up this week with Purposeful Faith, #TellHisStory, InstaEncouragements, Recharge Wednesday, #HeartEncouragement, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash