We all know life can be tough. The Lord never promised everything would go our way or be trouble free. In fact, Jesus said just the opposite. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart. I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
But God did promise to work all things for our good. That means even the hard times when we can’t see any good.
My bout with cancer has been a 2 1/2 year struggle. It’s tough going from one day to the next not knowing how I’ll feel or if something new or suspicious will crop up. But nothing surprises God and even in the midst of this struggle, I can be certain He’s looking out for me and working in ways I can’t see.
I may never know all the ways He uses my cancer to speak into other people’s hearts, but I do know I’ve been blessed by the outpouring of friends and neighbors’ through their prayer and support.
BRINGING GOOD FROM BAD
The Lord constantly brings good from bad. When tragedy strikes, people are moved to shows of kindness. War, tragedy, violence, disease. We see hardships all the time on the news. But don’t you just love when they dig deeper for the tender stories of sacrifice and love? When we get a glimpse of true humanity or heroics in face of daunting circumstances? When people sacrifice something of themselves to save someone else?
That’s God at work.
People watch how we endure hardships, whether we honor God or blame Him. God has a purpose for each of our lives. He doesn’t withhold pain from our lives. Even Jesus endured pain He didn’t wish to go through. But it was for our salvation. God sees the whole picture, not just our lives at this moment. He sees beyond our pain to the bigger picture of who He desires us to be and the overall purpose for our lives.
There are blessings all around us if we look for them. Our job is to love and trust God to bring about His purposes in our lives.
**How has God worked a seemingly bad situation for your good?
Hugs, my friend. I am always so proud of and in awe of how you always turn it back to God. I’m continuing to pray.
Thanks, sweet friend! Your kind word and prayers are so appreciated. That is my aim–to cling to the Father and point others to Him. Hugs!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful message!
You’re so welcome, Betsy! Thanks for taking time to read it and for your sweet comment. God bless!
God was very much there for me being a caregiver for my husband for the 5 years he suffered from dementia. It was a very difficult time, but with the Lord’s help, my daughter and I plus hospice and a few other caregivers did our best. We are so thankful and know that we will see Alfred again because he is in heaven with Jesus Christ.
What a comforting thought to cling to, Linda. I’m so glad you sensed the Lord’s presence as you cared for your dear husband. Thank you for sharing. God bless!
My prayer is that someone reading this is going through something tough in life, and your words will lift them up with hope.
That is my prayer as well, Linda. Thank you!
During my breast cancer in 2005,God showed me how to have more compassion for others by showing me how to minister to those who were going through their own cancer journey. My husband and I started support groups and have been able to be a listening ear to many.
What a wonderful way to encourage and use your experience to help others. I hope I am able to do the same. Thanks, Melissa!