"God doesn't sit back as a passive observer and allow circumstances or Satan to hurt us, only to step in afterward and say optimistically, 'I can make this into something good!' He has a purpose and design in what is happening to us from the beginning, and even though what is happening to us might not be good, God intends it all for our ultimate good."
-Nancy Guthrie, Hearing Jesus Speak Into Your Sorrow
With my life full of obstacles, I have heard everything one can hear about whether or not God intends the difficult circumstances in our lives to happen. One of my least favorite is that God allowed all of the difficult things in my life so that I would have a good testimony. I say that's one of my least favorite because I think God is after more than a good testimony.
He is with us in the midst of the storms. Even as a child being abused, I felt God. I experienced God. That is why my faith is so strong. He helped me even in the midst of what was happening.
In all of the most difficult challenges I have faced, I have felt God very strongly. Last year, I felt Him as I went to the lake. I felt Him as a sense of peace overwhelmed me as I watched a white bird soar over the lake. That sense of peace stayed with me, even in the midst of my confusion and chaos of mental illness.
As a teenager, being neglected, I felt Him when I was alone. I decorated my room with Bible verses. I read them all the time and my relationship with God grew throughout.
So can I say that bad circumstances and difficulties can be turned into good?
Absolutely!
Does it mean that everything will be easy?
Not at all.
Does it mean that God will be with you and me throughout the difficulties?
Absolutely.
No comments:
Post a Comment