One afternoon a social worker from the Children’s Aid Society called and asked Edison and Beulah, “Would you be interested in taking an older child?” They said they hadn’t considered that but would pray about it. Mrs. G, the worker, inquired if they would like to set up a meeting with Daryl, a four-year-old who was in desperate need of a loving home. They agreed to meet Daryl. He was the youngest of 5 siblings who were wards of the court. They had been taken from their home by social services. All five children were in the house alone and had been for three days. Daryl was two years old at that time. He had a broken arm that had not been set was found in his crib along with rat droppings and a sore that looked like a bite. Their drunk parents were later found at a fleabag motel next to a bar and were arrested and charged with neglect and abandonment. The siblings were separated and placed in foster care. Daryl Kirby, now 4 1/2 years of age, had been in several homes. He was terribly cross-eyed and wore thick glasses, and was delayed in his learning abilities. But he loved to sing. Daryl had no way of knowing, but that visit ordained by the heavenly Father and his perfect timing would usher in the life of a chosen one for Daryl that would redirect his steps. Mom said he was very sweet and polite. At the end of the visit, Daryl said he could be available…if they wanted him. My folks both said it tore their heart in a place so deep they were at a loss for words. My Dad said he felt selfish, insisting on a baby when there was such a great need for love.
They arranged for a weekend visit and a trip to the Dr. to have Daryl’s eyes examined. Their family M.D. Dr. John, after examining Daryl, said, “Take him back; he has too many problems physically and emotionally.” My parents shared that this advice from their most respected physician who had been by their side through their infertility journey shook them. But God spoke to them, and they felt Daryl had been sent to them. Though it was a change in plan, they followed God’s leading, and Daryl came home to them shortly after their weekend visit. After 17 years, they had become parents!
Isn’t it a great reminder of how comprehensive and complete are the plans of God? The world is a big place with a complicated order of people and places and timing, and yet our great God doesn’t even break a sweat or require assistance to organize divine appointments like Edison and Beulah’s divine meet up with Daryl. Think of the surprise in all their lives; suddenly in one single day all their futures changed. Ed and Beulah would leave their house calling each other by name or Honey and sweetheart, and in a few days, would refer to each other as Mama and Daddy. My Dad often told me when God changes your name; He changes your life! I never quite grasped that until I became a parent.
I have often been instructed that God’s ways are mysterious, and most of the time, sadly, I sometimes fall into thinking that I know what is best for me. But as I look at this part of the family story, I am reminded that God’s ordaining of our steps and the way in which He accomplishes His will is always motivated by love and accented with kindness even if we don’t recognize it at the beginning. Growing my trust in following God’s ordained steps, even if I can’t see where it leads, must come from the deep place of the heart of belief. It will reveal what I truly believe about the character of God. If I am resting in a righteous perspective that God is the ultimate loving Father and Creator and only has my well being in mind, I will trust Him and be able to follow the path and plan He has chosen for me. If my belief about who God is, is at all skewed or distorted, this will result in a struggle. I will find myself overwhelmed by fear and will not enter into the rest and contentment that following God obediently promises. All my doubt about what God does is rooted in who I think He is. If I doubt Him, I will not have confidence in His ways. God always keeps His promises. He does not make mistakes, and I am not a cosmic experiment left to the forces of “fate” or “chance.” Nor do I ascribe to the concept of luck. It wasn’t lucky for Daryl that good people came into his life; it was a blessing ordained by the Creator of the universe.
Today and all of my other todays that God may bring my way are filled with promise that He is in control, mapping out my steps. Even if when I place one single foot down, I may not grasp the purpose or sense where He is leading. I see this challenge in the disciples’ lives when I read Jesus’ words, “Follow me.” I have a path, a purpose. It is bigger than a pandemic, safer than a vaccine, more joyful than I could plan for myself. These things are circumstantial; they change. But I serve a God who never changes. He may surprise me with how He does it, but I can rest assured why He does it..The scriptures say He has loved me with an everlasting love. In living the chosen life, I can choose to believe this. This will always be the right step on the path that leads me home to Him.
Join me next time in the vineyard where the 5 o’clock worker takes a look at how even a chosen life can have a rough start.
5oclockworker.com 