I hate wasting food. Hate it. However, with children, this is almost inevitable.
My toddler will now take food he doesn’t like and push it off of his high chair tray. He will also (not so secretly) purposely drop food on the floor or put his hand out to feed it directly to the dog. Let me tell you, as a Momma who 1) wants to successfully nourish her child and 2) spent time preparing the food I’ve given him, this is infuriating.
I was thinking about waste in relation to our faith journey and I remembered that nothing is ever wasted in God’s economy. God doesn’t waste a single thing.
One of my all time favorite verses is Romans 8:28,
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
There are so many reasons that I love this verse! I’ll share just a few with you.
First, I love that Paul says, “In all things.” Some translations say, “All things work,” I prefer the former because it denotes that God is not the author of all things, but rather God works in all things! God doesn’t cause painful experiences in your life. However, God may allow them and use them! I believe the difference is huge!
Second, God works these things, even the painful things, for your good! What a promise? My human mind can’t even fathom that, yet I know it to be true from scripture and my own life! Even the worst things that have ever happened to me, or my worst mistakes, in submission to the Lordship of Christ can be made beautiful.
Third, I love that the final portion of the scripture affirms God’s plan and purpose for our lives. God has called each one of his children and given us a purpose in life. There may be wasteful things in our life that seem meaningless, but not to God. There is always a story behind the story. God is always at work behind the scenes trading beauty for ashes.
Nothing is ever wasted with God. If you are experiencing pain, surrender it to the Lord! God is the ultimate miracle worker. You may not be able to see it now, but God promises to bring about good for your life in all things!