By Amanda Key
A few years ago, my husband and I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with a dear friend from Pennsylvania. As the conversation progressed, we started talking about possible job openings and where we hoped to end up after graduation. I confessed that I was concerned about finding a new job in time. Our friend then reminded us that even if we were not hired right away––God had everything in control! 
How true indeed! Romans 8:28 states, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”  
At that point in the conversation, I began to reflect upon the providence of God. I began to think back to all the difficult times in my life and how later on it all seemed to fit together and make perfect sense! Growing up I went through some very emotional and discouraging times. I didn’t understand why God was allowing it all to happen at the time, but those negatives added up to a big positive as it led to meeting someone who later introduced me to my husband. Now I can look back at everything and see how all the little pieces fit together. 
God works in all of our lives today, just as He did in the story of Esther. It couldn’t have been easy for Esther to become queen and risk losing her life, but God had everything under control. He used her to save her people and turned what could have been a negative into a positive outcome. Even when Job was being tested by Satan, God was still in control. Despite everything he had lost, he never turned away from God, but praised Him instead of blaming Him (Job 1:20-22). What a great attitude to have! 
I understand it can be difficult at times to turn loose of the reins and trust in His plan. One night after church, I was talking to another dear brother in Christ about this very concept. His reply was simply, “Here am I, send me.” That is when it hit me! I looked over at my husband with tears in my eyes as I thought, “Who am I to limit God?!”  
God has given each of us different talents and abilities. Life can be such a joyful experience once we realize that we can further His kingdom with the many gifts He blesses us with! What a shame it would be to let them go to waste when we can make a profound impact on today’s society. As I continue to struggle daily with “letting go and letting God,” I try to remind myself over and over that God has a much bigger plan for us than we can imagine. It may be His plan for us to move away from close friends and family or simply step outside our comfort zone to do something for His kingdom. Either way, it is comforting to know that God has everything in control. 
So, next time you are going through difficult times, remember to trust! He knows what is best even though we may not be able to see it or understand at that point in time. With that mindset, it makes it so much easier to stay optimistic even during what seems like the darkest times. I now challenge you to step out of your comfort zone. Take advantage of using your talents for God, as we help our brothers and sisters along the way by being an encouragement to them in the process!