“Do all things without murmuring and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among who you shine as lights in the world.”  Philippians 2:13-14

Are You a Faithful Steward?

Walk His Way Revisited
First Posted May, 2014

I remember reading about a woman in Kenya who was dying of AIDS. She was facing a shortened life as her body slowly succumbed to this debilitating, painful and dreadful disease, but a comment she made amazed me: She said she just wanted to be a good steward of her disease! What!? Really?

We know that stewardship is managing someone else’s “stuff.” We think of the “stuff” as finances, properties, households, and even time—good stuff—things that have been given to us by the Lord to use for His purposes and His glory. I think we all get that.

But to be a good steward of unpleasant things like sickness, failure, disappointment, pain, sorrow, grief, suffering, insults, difficult relationships, etc. (the list could go on and on) is something I never thought of before.

We know that nothing can happen to us—good or bad—without God’s approval. He entrusts us with things that only He can empower us to persevere through. In fact it’s in these times of great trial that we are drawn closer to Him and shine as lights in this dark world.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 tells us that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and that we are not our own—we were bought with a price, therefore we should glorify God in our body and in our spirit, which are God’s.

Think about the “unpleasant” things in your life that you just want to get rid of. Do you grumble and complain, focusing on “poor me”? God has allowed them for a season and a purpose. Would you trust Him with that “ugly thing” and let Him use it? We may never know the reason for it, but God has a plan for it. “For we know that ALL things work together for good to those who love God, and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Father, forgive me for just wanting to have my way, forgetting that my life is Yours and in Your hands. I, too, want to be a good steward, not only of the pleasant things You give, but also of the troubles and trials in my life, for You have ordained them for Your glory. I can rejoice no matter what, for You are my Helper and Comforter. Amen!