“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works everything out in conformity with the purpose of his will.”
Ephesians 1:11
Darrin greeted me with a big smile when I arrived to teach a seminary class at his prison. He was a top student in the program, the inmate liaison to our mentor ministry, and a leader in inmate-led programs. Additionally, he was up for parole.
Having served 32 years, he checked all the boxes the parole board expected. Even the chaplain and counselors were sure he’d be granted parole this time. When I saw his smile that day, I thought Darrin must have heard from the board. “Congratulations, Darrin! When are you going home?” I asked.
“I’m not. I got put off for three years. But there are no accidents,” he said. “God loves me, and this is His plan for me. He’s got things for me to do here. I’m good with that.”
Darrin has learned a lesson that many of us struggle to grasp.
The Apostle Paul wrote that God works everything according to His purposes—from the overwhelmingly devastating things in our lives to the mildly irritating ones. He shows us His power and love, and teaches us to accept His will for our lives, even when it’s disappointing.
Having served 32 years, he checked all the boxes the parole board expected. Even the chaplain and counselors were sure he’d be granted parole this time. When I saw his smile that day, I thought Darrin must have heard from the board. “Congratulations, Darrin! When are you going home?” I asked.
“I’m not. I got put off for three years. But there are no accidents,” he said. “God loves me, and this is His plan for me. He’s got things for me to do here. I’m good with that.”
Darrin has learned a lesson that many of us struggle to grasp.
The Apostle Paul wrote that God works everything according to His purposes—from the overwhelmingly devastating things in our lives to the mildly irritating ones. He shows us His power and love, and teaches us to accept His will for our lives, even when it’s disappointing.
Scripture Focus
Ephesians 1:3-14
Insight
Whatever circumstances we face, we know and trust that God is working out His plan for His glory and for our good.
Bible In A Year
- Exodus 25-26
- Psalm 38
- Luke 2
