When God Has A Way, No Other Way Will Work

A new book by Amy Alford

Sometimes the best lessons are those you learn from watching someone else “do life.” If we pay attention, we can learn life lessons from others all the time. Some people teach us how not to live — and what to learn from their mistakes. Yet once in a while God sends someone into our lives who changes us forever. They’re the kind of people who influence our lives and teach us important lessons about God and His purpose for our lives. That was what my mentor and “adopted grandmother,” Sandy Edmonson, did for me.

This is a true story about our friendship. It’s about an unexpected relationship that bound two women from different generations on the same journey in life. One woman was three steps ahead of the other — older and wiser. (I was the other one, younger and not as wise as I thought.) At first, I was simply hoping a little bit of what Sandy had would rub off me. Over time, I realized that God had more in mind. He wanted to use Sandy to bring me closer to Him than ever before.

I didn’t know her at all when we began meeting together, but today I couldn’t do without her. She started out as a “sounding board” for me when I was going through some difficult times. However, as we got to know each other, I grew to think of her as more of a friend and, eventually, even family. We jokingly call ourselves “adopted” grandmother and granddaughter. We have spent countless hours together over many years, drinking coffee at Starbucks and talking about life.

Sandy has a way of sharing what the Bible says in a realistic and simple way that teaches me about living my life. She simplifies everyday struggles and concerns in a way that is easier to understand. By showing me how verses from the Bible apply to my modern day needs and struggles, she has helped and encouraged me so much. Listening to her helpful suggestions (that I believe were prompted by the Lord) has strengthened my faith.

They say every relationship changes a person. I believe that’s true because as I grew in my relationship with the Lord, he began to heal my hurts and unveil good things in me as well. He revealed a sense of compassion and hope among layers of giving and caring in my soul that I never knew existed. That miracle of transformation is what this story is about.

God is at work to change all of us into the image of His Son. It happens all the time, I know. However, I have to believe that our story is unique. God brought Sandy into my life in order to help me become the person I never knew I could be. Through sharing this story, I hope I can pass on to you what the Lord taught me through our friendship. Who knows? God may have someone unexpected in mind for you to pass on these same, simple truths.