«And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose» (Romans 8:28).
COULD IT BE that the most bitter experience a person has ever gone through can also become the greatest of their blessings? If we could ask Fydor Dostoyevsky, the celebrated Russian novelist, he would most likely answer us with a resounding yes.
When Dostoyevsky was young, he was arrested for participating in meetings of a political group that the Tsar considered to have subversive purposes. Dostoyevsky and other young men were initially sentenced to eight years of forced labor, but then the sentence was changed to death by firing squad.
According to Charles Colson, on the day of Dostoyevsky’s and his friends’ execution, they were placed in front of the firing squad, ready to be executed, but to their great surprise, instead of gunshots, what they heard was the sound of drums in retreat. What had happened? The Tsar had changed the sentence: instead of being executed, they would be exiled in Siberia. According to the story, the Tsar’s intention had never been to execute them, but to punish them by teaching them a lesson. However, the impact of this experience was so great that, in a letter to his brother, Dostoyevsky wrote, «I have been reborn for a new life, brother. I swear that I will never lose hope and that I will keep my soul and heart pure.»
What Dostoyevsky never imagined was that an even more significant experience awaited him in Siberia, one that would have an impact on him for the rest of his life. When he arrived at the place of exile, without the guards noticing, two women placed a copy of the New Testament in his hands. According to his daughter Aimee, the great writer found in the Word of God the peace and comfort that his heart longed for. She says he read it from cover to cover and memorized many passages, which is why the influence of the Scriptures can be seen in some of his works.
What New Testament passage became his favorite? As the time of his death approached, he gathered his family and asked to be read the parable of the prodigal son. At the end of the parable, he told them: «Never forget what you just heard. Have complete faith in God and never doubt His forgiveness. I love you immensely, but my love for you is nothing compared to the Father’s love for those whom He created.»
Dear Lord, even if I don’t understand it now, please help me believe that whatever You allow to happen to me will always be for my good.
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2022
“GREAT IS OUR GOD!”
From: FERNANDO ZABALA
Colaboradores: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
