In high school we didn't realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun! So many good times, laughs, beach days, house parties, parties in the dunes and precious memories but there were also hard times, hurts and heart breaks along the way. Lots of lessons learned. Some people have regrets of something they did or something they did not do. When I look back it was not just the good times that made me who I am. In life God uses those hard times to mold us - He wastes nothing !
The hard times leave us better than before, even the ones that left scars. As humans, we tend to want to think of life matters as “either-or” but God takes the "both-and" approach. He will use BOTH the trials AND the triumphs; BOTH the joy's AND the sadness; BOTH our losses AND our gains to fulfill His purpose for us! Look back at some of the toughest things you have been through and see how it has shaped your life. Romans 8: 28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
I know God used a hurt I went through to work with high school and college youth and I had a passion for it! God uses every pain, struggle, failure or circumstance for a greater purpose to transform us and to transform others. He heals our brokenness and then we can help others who are hurting. Our weaknesses transform into mercy which helps us identify and have patience with others struggling. Our failures transform into grace helping us see God’s love for us and for others. Our trials transform into resilience as He strengthens us. When I look back over the tough times in my life I see His grace and mercy and the transformation.
What a comfort to know our choices matter and influence our life but they do not ultimately determine our future! Ephesians 1: 11, "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will." Only God can turn a mess into a message, a test into a testimony, a trial into a triumph and a victim into a victory!
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