Expect the Unexpected from God by Yvonne M Morgan
Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
A Good Life
Like most young people in their twenties, I believed I controlled my life and my future. I brought God along for the ride, but I did not want to give Him control over my life. So life felt easy, although busy with a growing family. Little did I realize the meaning behind this message or how my life could change.
Tragedy Struck
Everything changed with the birth of our third child in 1993. William Charles arrived into this world with many severe congenital disabilities. And, we lost him nine days later as he died in my arms. My world shattered, and I grappled with the loss. I questioned God on why He allowed this to happen to me. Nothing felt like it would ever be the same. For the next couple of years, I wandered through the days, weeks, and months in a dense fog of grief. It felt never-ending. However, God stood ready to take this tragedy and create something beautiful while turning my world upside down in the process.
In January 1997, I attended a church meeting. I still felt lost in my grief, but I learned to lean into God, and I felt His strength guide me. The event included a presentation about a mission trip to Haiti. As I listened, I felt or heard a whisper telling my heart to go to Haiti. I wrestled with this idea of a mission trip since I hated camping. I squirmed at the thought of bugs and lack of creature comforts. How could I go on a mission trip? I felt ill-equipped for any ministry. Why would God think I could do such a thing?
The Unexpected from God
Well, long story short, I landed in Haiti in July 1997 for a week-long mission working with poverty-stricken children. The impact of the trip changed my life. The children I saw wore rags and were filthy. Their stomachs distended from constant hunger. They dug through trash piles for scraps of food to stave off the emptiness in their belies. Slowly, God showed me my purpose as we handed out food rations to these little ones each day. God showed me how I could make a difference for poor and neglected children in His world. I realized I could be God’s hands and feet to forgotten children.
Twenty years later and I am still fulfilling that purpose He gave me. I watched God accomplish miracles for these children and in my own life too. I started a charity organization, and through it, God allowed me to operate orphanages in Myanmar and Nepal. These homes currently care for many orphans. Also, during this time, we adopted two teenagers from Kenya. So my family circled continued to grow, and I loved it.
God’s Compassion
Tears still well up when I think about my son. But, God gave me something more than just death and depression. God gave me comfort so that I could comfort others. Also, He gave me hope and purpose amid the pain. God blessed me beyond anything I could imagine. I thank God for my son, and I thank God for all the children He puts in our care. I could not imagine how my life would be different if I allowed myself to remain in the fog of depression. So, praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father. We ask You to guide us through the storms of life. We pray for Your hand of comfort to rest upon us. May we feel Your loving presence. Help us to share that same comfort and love with those around us who are suffering. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of comfort. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
About the Author…
As an author and blogger, I write stories to help deepen a relationship with God. On a personal level, I was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. I am a wife, mom, and grandmother, but most importantly, I am a child of God who is passionate about prayer and missions. I share stories of trusting the Lord and watching Christ in action. As a faithful prayer warrior, I trusted God when He called me to help orphans after losing my son. Visit Yvonne’s website here. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
The Christian Authors Network Speak Up Competition
The Speak Up Competition, sponsored by the Christian Authors Network, is a powerful source of hope and light for people all over the world. This year’s theme, “Expect the Impossible,” is a reminder that no matter how dark our situations may look, we always have hope because we know that all things are possible with God! The inspirational messages featured in this series are from the round one finalists. Stay tuned for updates as the competition progresses, and please pray with us that God will use this competition to bless and encourage His people. We know that the speak up community has the power to make a difference in this world, and we can’t wait to see what God does through us!