Romans 8:28 KJV
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.
- DAILY READING Romans 9:1-29; 1 Samuel 17:55-18:30; Psalm 63
We are bound to face offending situations in life. There will be moments when we are treated unjustly or unfairly. Jesus said ‘offences must come.’ The question is what do you do in such situations? Someone said life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.
Mary Kay is one person who decided to react positively to an offence. Her story depicts that in every disappointment there can be a seed of a blessing, and that no matter the challenges we face, God can always turn things around.
Today, Mary Kay Cosmetics is one of the top companies in the world. However this company was started through a great disappointing experience. Its founder, Mary Kay Ash, a devout Christian, in her lifetime passed through many tests.
As a child Mary grew up with a very sick father and a mother who worked 14 hours to make ends meet. At a young age Mary had to take on adult responsibilities, of catering to her sick father while her mother was at work.
Facing challenges early on in life, prepared her to surmount the mountains she would later face as an adult. One of those mountains was unfair treatment at her job. After working for 25 years with a direct selling company, where she attained the position of national training director, something happened one day that was to change her entire life. A trainee under her was promoted above her and given twice her salary just because he was a male. Shocked and highly disappointed to be treated this way, Mary decided to resign. Though she had no other job to go to, she decided to trust God to make a way for her. Soon the idea for Mary Kay cosmetics was birthed in her. So, she put her plan into action. With her past experience and $5,000 in savings, she created Beauty by Mary Kay.
The company was founded on the Golden Rule, and on the principle of placing God first. With steadfast commitment to dedication and hard work, Mary Kay nurtured her dream. From a small direct sales company it has become one of the largest cosmetics companies in the world. The Company continues to be one of the greatest success stories in business.
Talk about turning a disappointment into a blessing. Though she was treated unfairly, Mary decided not to sit and bemoan her fate, but rather to trust God for a turnaround. And God indeed turned it all around for her. Today nobody may know the name of the man who was promoted above her or who had done the unjust promotion, but the name of Mary Kay is inscribed in history.
You don’t let people’s actions determine the outcome of your life. You don’t let how someone treated you become the full stop in your life story. No matter what they did to you, you can put it behind you, still forge ahead and become all that God said you are to be in life.
Many times a disappointment can be a blessing in disguise. Something can happen that may make you think that your world has turned upside down. But if you look deep enough you will see a seed of blessing that can help you turn that situation around. The bible says that with every temptation God makes a way of escape. Hidden in that seeming disappointment is a seed of equivalent benefit. God is working out things for your greater good. So don’t stay down or remain on the floor. Get up, no matter what has happened, no matter how people have disappointed you and failed you, get up and keep moving forward. There are greater things ahead, there is a destiny to be fulfilled. So get up and keep going forward.
When you are a child of God and walking in the will of God, there can be no disappointments in your life. Because all things work together for your good when you love God. No matter what happens; just look up to God, and seek His will. Always know He has a plan He is working out in your life.
Maybe someone abandoned you, but it is only to make room for the right person to appear. Or perhaps like Mary Kay you lost a job, perhaps it’s time for you to prepare for your own business. Learn to live your life in an attitude of gratitude, thanking God in everything. God is always faithful. And when you trust Him, no matter what happens, it all eventually works out for your good.
PRAYER: Lord, I believe that according to Your Word everything is indeed working out for my good. Please help me to see You always at work to turn every disappointment into a blessing for me in Jesus name.
quote
The study of The Word will keep shame and disgrace far from you.
[ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK FAITH CLASSICS]