The Fun Way to Live

A refrigerator is a blessing. I can’t imagine having to live way back when, without this convenience that we take for granted. It’s a marvel – until the power goes out or the fridge breaks down. But even then,  we know the situation is temporary and the handy appliance will soon be up and running again.

One November day during my first year in my condo, the fridge died. It wasn’t a very good one and was small for the space allotted in the kitchen. It was nothing like the nice one I had in my previous home. In fact, I was pretty sure someone had pulled a switch before I moved in and this wasn’t even the refrigerator that had been in the unit when I initially looked at it. But it did keep the food cold – until it decided it didn’t want to any more.

I took advantage of the chilly weather to use my balcony for temporary food storage, filling laundry baskets with food and carting them out there

When this happened, I was reminded of the scripture in Romans 8:28 that says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.” So I said, “Lord, I love you and I am called according to your purpose. I can hardly wait to see how you’re going to work this together for good for me.”

The owners of the unit asked me if I would go to the appliance store and find a refrigerator like the one that had broken down, buy it, and make arrangements for delivery. I could deduct the price from my next rent check. In a moment of inspiration I said I would be glad to, but could I buy one that I really liked instead, and pay them the difference between the replacement model and the model of my choice? They agreed to that.

As it turned out, a refrigerator exactly like the one I had left behind was on sale that weekend. The difference between the small replacement fridge and the nice one with all the bells and whistles I wanted was only $400. So, for $400 I had a brand-new $1,4000 fridge! And then, when I purchased the condo a few months later, that nice new refrigerator was already there. The new refrigerator more than made up for the inconvenience of storing food on my balcony for a few days. God really did make that whole situation work together for good for me.

When something goes wrong, it is very tempting to get upset and say, “Why is this happening to me?” But God is always looking for opportunities to bless us. When we’re really thinking clearly, we’ll remember to say, “Lord, I can hardly wait to see how you’re going to make this work to together for good to me.” What a fun way to live!