So God created man in his own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number, fill the earth and subdue it…  Genesis 1:27, 28 (NASB)

Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; “I will make a helper fit for him. Genesis 2:18

Have you ever noticed that God’s highest and best for us usually involves growth and change, whereas our natural preferences run toward peace and security? Have you also noticed that, though He loves us “with an everlasting love” (Jer. 31:3) and has “given us everything we need for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3), He doesn’t consult us before He upends our life?

Take Adam, for instance. He lived in a perfect world, enjoying unhindered communication with his Creator in the serenity of obedient trust. Adam wasn’t lonely. Adam’s world, as far as it went, was only goodness. But, as so often happens, God had bigger plans for him; plans that would take sixty-six books to record and an eternity to live out. But these plans could never come to pass through one man, a variety of vegetation and an assortment of animals.   

The change that Eve brought to Adam’s world was seismic: another point of view replaced the only way to do things, and helpful input alternately enriched/hindered the most basic daily activities. But, there was the comfort of companionship and the warmth of intimacy that gave a new shape to those glorious days. 

And then, the temptation. In it, the potential for disobedience and pride became the reality of sin and separation from God and that mark became imprinted on the DNA of all of Adam and Eve’s children. 

So, here we: the breathtaking beauty of the created order even though marked by sin, the potential of relationships in a fallen world, but above it all, the plan of a good and great God in whose Word we find all instruction and comfort for all our days.

Dear Father, 

People can seem so big and You can seem so small. Help us to remember, Lord,  that all who pass through our lives are put there in accordance with Your plan. Whether they bring affection or animosity, comfort or challenge, Your good purposes will always come to pass. In all circumstances may we see beyond the present moment to Your intended purpose to grow us in grace and the knowledge of You. Amen.

Nancy Shirah