SEPTEMBER 2, Romans 8:28

“I’m getting our bedroom ready for my brother and me,” announced Steve proudly. He was sure their new baby would be a boy. “We’ve got enough girls,” he added, glancing at Audrey and Hannah, his two sisters. “I’m praying for a little brother.”

“You can tell God how you feel about it, but don’t forget that it’s up to Him to decide whether to send us a girl or a boy,” his mother told him. “Yeah, Steve. Don’t be so sure it will be a boy,” said Hannah. “I’d rather have a girl.”

“It’ll be a boy,” Steve insisted stubbornly. “I told you that I prayed.” The big day finally came. The new baby arrived, and it was... a girl! Steve was disappointed.

“Oh, look!” exclaimed Audrey as they drove home. She pointed. “That’s the house we wanted to buy, and there’s a ‘For Sale’ sign in front of it.”

“Interesting,” said Mom. “Remember how disappointed we were when we found out it was sold just an hour before we wanted to buy it? We thought that house was exactly what we wanted, but now I’m really glad we don’t live there. We could never afford to pay the loan for a place like that, and so if we had bought it, we’d have to get ready to move right now! That would have been terrible timing.”

“Our second choice turned out to be better anyway,” said Dad, “It is more affordable, and hasn’t it been fun fixing up this home and making it just the way we like it?” “It sure has,” agreed Audrey. “Plus I get to have my own room! I see now that God gave us our second choice in houses because He knew it was best for us.”

“How about with babies?” asked Dad, glancing at Steve, who was sitting next to his new sister. “How’s the baby doing?” “She is kinda cute,” Steve admitted. “Look! She’s holding my finger. She’s my second choice-like the house was for you-Since she’s God’s choice for us, so she must be the best one for us.”

“I’m sure she is,” said Mom with a smile.

Thought: As today’s Scripture reading tells us, all things work together for good, to those who love God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, sometimes what I really want is not what is best for me. Teach me to trust You and remember that You know the future. Please help me to trust that Your choice is the best for me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.