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.
(Romans 8:28)
Valentine’s Day is a day for showing love. Since I was a little girl getting a box of chocolates made the day even more special. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t get a box of chocolate on Valentine’s Day.
In her book, A Beautiful Exchange—Responding to God’s Invitation for More, author Megan Nilsen shares a powerful message in the chapter titled: Following God is Like a Box of Chocolates.
She writes, “To follow God…seemed as mysterious as staring in a box of chocolates. The choices were overwhelming. Where does one begin? What would we uncover? What if we choose unwisely and came upon the taste of tangy orange marmalade instead of the sweet, sultry caramel we hoped for?"
The author’s words reminded me of what Forrest Gump said. He said it this way, “My momma always said: Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”
Getting the chocolate that you want by sampling assorted chocolates in beautifully decorated gift boxes without a chart is unpredictable and uncertain to say the least. Usually, I have to taste several pieces of chocolate before I get my favorite—deep dark chocolate filled with coconut or almond.
Following God is like a box of chocolates—it is about trusting Him even when we don’t get what we want, expect or hope for.
If I had my way, I would not have chosen the unpleasant taste of widowhood. God’s ways are not our ways. His ways—unpleasant at times—are changing us into His image.
Daily I am learning the sweetness of His presence. I am learning how to follow Him and let go of what I have no control over. I am learning to follow Him through life’s uncertainties when nothing else seemingly is.
I find peace in the promise of Romans 8:28 that I know to be very certain. It tells us, 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.
Only God can take what is unpalatable and make it good. May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the Lord (Psalm 104:34).
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Prayer: Jesus, we all want to taste the sweetness of life in our relationships, dreams, careers, finances. Life is not always sweet. We can say with confidence that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him”—no matter what chocolate we get.