Opinion: It may take time, but God will raise you up

Religion columnist

John Piper said: “The proper connotation of saying God works for me is that I am bankrupt and need a bailout. I am weak and need someone strong. I am endangered and need a protector. I am foolish and need someone wise. I am lost and need a Rescuer. ‘God works for me’ means I can’t do the work.”

Is God really working for us when our lives seem to be crumbling into fractured and fearful pieces? When we think that all things are lost, God is still working.

Maria (not her real name) was born in 1938, in the “Little Italy” borough of Queens. Her father was a Sicilian immigrant, and her mother was an Italian immigrant. The family had a strong faith and Maria from her childhood knew that their existence and very breath depended upon God.

Maria’s parents doted on their little girl knowing she would be the only child they were to have. Her dad lovingly called Maria “my baby girl” in Italian, and her mother spent hours starching, sprinkling and ironing Maria’s school uniforms. Every afternoon after school, Maria walked to her grandfather’s Italian market where she helped herself to fresh fruit and tasty Italian pastries skillfully made by her grandmother. Walking to the market was the highlight of her day. Maria’s life was happy and carefree. She felt both secure and loved. Maria was even becoming quite competent in speaking Italian. Yet, things suddenly changed.

Maria’s father was killed in a tragic trucking accident. Not only had Maria lost the father whom she adored, she and her mother now had no livelihood. When the next month’s rent was due after the accident, her mother had no way to pay it. So she prayed about the situation. Out of desperation, Maria and her mother moved into the apartment above the Italian market to live with her grandparents and other extended family members. Thirteen people now shared one bathroom. Thirteen people somehow lived in two bedrooms, a living area and a small kitchen. My, how life had changed for her!

Maria can remember standing on a wooden crate while stirring large vats of spaghetti sauce to sell in the market. She learned the art of baking pastries and elegant bread. Maria was surrounded by the Italian culture of the market, and she learned about traditions so important to their family. Maria heard stories of life in Sicily and Italy. She learned about the Italian culture, and she knew their system of money. Maria also had the job of scrubbing the porch and sidewalk in front of the market. Her grandfather insisted that their market be the cleanest in the neighborhood. Maria’s grandmother taught her to make pasta, and Maria remembered spreading large sheets of pasta out to dry on the apartment beds upstairs. Maria learned the perfect temperature to fry tasty cannolis and how to fill them with fluffy cream.

All the while her faith remained strong — a faith that was handed down from her parents to her. As the years passed, Maria became a skilled artisan. Slowly she began assuming more responsibility in the market. She had learned how to prepare meals for Italian celebrations, and Maria was frequently called to cater large family events. As her grandparents aged, they spent more time in the small apartment upstairs than in their cherished market below, because they had witnessed Maria’s skill.

Today, Maria is an entrepreneur and business woman in the northeast. She owns a cluster of successful Italian markets and delicatessens. Maria caters high-end celebrity and political functions with the ease of a true professional.

Is God greater than the events in our lives? Maria’s father died, her mother lost her income and times were difficult. The Bible tells us that “My times are in your hands.” (Psalm 31:15). He also tells us to “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” (1 Peter 2:6 )

God is greater than any event.

Judy Brandon writes about faith for the Clovis News Journal. Contact her at:

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