GuideStone® was originally established in 1918 to provide financial support and assistance for retired pastors and widows. Today, we continue to carry out that mission through the ministry of Mission:Dignity®. Here’s an encouraging devotional from one of our recipients:
A MiracleRomans 8:28 (NASB 1995)
Jane Strickland authored this issue’s devotional. She served the Lord alongside her late husband, Walton, for 45 years.
Once, a long time ago, a vine grew on the bricks at the side of our garage. It was beautiful, with glossy green leaves. It grew tall and strong and, in time, added lovely fringed purple flowers. I enjoyed seeing the beautiful vine each morning as I left for work.
One day, to my surprise, I saw the vine was covered with scarlet caterpillars! The caterpillars were consuming the lovely purple flowers and the green leaves. I could not take time to remove the caterpillars because it would have made me late for work. (An elementary teacher should never be late.) When I arrived home that afternoon, I sadly observed no flowers or leaves except a few crumpled, dead brown leaves stuck to the brick. I reluctantly took down the strings which had supported the vines.
The spring days grew warmer, and shortly before school was dismissed for the summer, I hurried out to go to work and found our backyard full of gorgeous black butterflies with bright blue spots on their wings! The little brown capsules I had assumed were dead leaves had all broken open and had set the butterflies free! Wouldn’t you agree that only God could perform such a miracle? The green leaves and purple flowers fed the scarlet caterpillars, which spent the winter wrapped in brown blankets (chrysalises). At just the perfect time, beautiful black butterflies, trimmed in bright blue, emerged and performed their beautiful ballet, delighting us earth-bound humans!
Scripture says, “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.” Romans 8:28 (NASB 1995)
What seemingly dire situation can God transform in your life this week?
Want more devotionals? Our 40-day devotional book written by our Mission:Dignity recipients is available to order here.
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Commentary
• Sep 16, 2025 