Number the Stars Part I

I was teaching the novel Number the Stars to my students, and before we got to the last few chapters I asked my students to write their predictions as to how the book would end. I read through all of them, and the predictions ranged from happy endings to utter destruction. But one of them stood out. I called the student up to my desk and I said, “This is very well written. I love your perspective. This takes real insight and maturity.” She said to me, “I have learned that life doesn’t always have happy endings. That’s just a part of life.” I was so proud of her, and I told her so. When I was younger I didn’t understand that life brings trouble to everyone. I honestly thought that following the plan (faith, family, school, career) protects you from trouble. If you’re smart enough, trouble won’t come. If you make enough money, trouble won’t come. Here’s the hardest one of all. If your faith is strong enough, trouble won’t come. Could it be that I missed the verses that talked about affliction? Did I miss the numerous times God told Joshua do not be afraid but be very courageous? Why would David talk about affliction and Joshua be told not to fear? Weren’t these men of God? These men learned that there isn’t always a happy ending. Well maybe a happy ending after the trouble in the middle. As my son would say, there’s a catch. That same David said in Psalm 23:6, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Goodness and mercy shall follow me. In the valley there is still goodness and mercy. In the struggle there is still goodness and mercy. When I am afraid, I see God’s goodness and mercy. My student got the memo earlier than I did, but even with the catch God’s plan for us is ultimately a good plan, and a plan that includes His grace.