"And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose," - Romans 8:28 (NET)
This verse is so well known by many who consider themselves to be believers in Christ. I learned it at a young age, and I often used it to console myself and others during difficult times. It certainly makes sense to use it in that way. However, I've begun to wonder if there's more to it than just a means to ride out the storm. The older I get and the more I have come to experience life in new and unique ways, I realize that so much is happening around us that we just don't understand or fully see until we're ready and willing to see it.
I don't think it's any accident that the circumstances happening in my life right now are happening as they should be at this exact time. Just a week or so ago, I might have disagreed. It felt like several pivotal parts were coming unglued, and I wasn't sure I had it in me to fight for it. I truly thought that I was going to toss in the towel in some areas - areas I had worked hard to accomplish for years now. It felt like I might be closing a chapter for good, BUT as the details of the situation progressed, I realized that a story ebbs and flows and each new chapter builds off the one before it. Ultimately, I realized that this story is far from over, and even with it's unexpected twists and turns, it's one filled with hope and empowerment. One that is much needed in our world today.
Interestingly enough, as I've been typing this, another verse came to mind ... "As for you, you meant to harm me, but God intended it for a good purpose, so he could preserve the lives of many people, as you can see this day." - Genesis 50:20 (NET)
I realize my story is vague here (partly because it would take way too long to explain it all), but I will say this ... that scripture packs a powerful punch in light of my passion to help others find emotional well-being, and the thought that I considered throwing in the towel instead of navigating the detours is sobering.
There are so many people today who are suffering and need to know that things can get better. They need to hear parts of my story. They need to know that they aren't the only one who's experienced deeply painful situations. They need to know that someone else has been there. They need to know that doubts and questions are ok and that the messy and confusing journey to better days is perfectly normal.
What about you? Do you feel like throwing in the towel in some area(s)? I urge you to zoom out and consider what is taking place within you to mold and perfect your story and your purpose.
The past week or so has been difficult for me, but it has also provided clear evidence that God is at work even when we don't feel it or see it. I don't believe that's just for me. Things are working for your good too.
My act of kindness today is to tell you that you are loved. Whether you feel it or not, just know that you are, and your life has purpose.
Do your choices and their effects on your life make you feel differently about yourself?
Do you believe what you do is a factor in feeling worthy?
Do you feel that circumstances, that are outside of your control, are a reflection upon who you are?
If you answered "yes" to any of those, you might be struggling to see who you really ARE and were created to be. THAT is what truly determines your worth. Simply being a creation of God has made you worthy of love. Nothing that is happening around you, to you or because of you can add to or take away from that.
So many people miss this entirely. It's taken me until just the past few years to even understand this concept, and even now, I'm still intentionally working to accept and to embrace it.
You are loved simply because you are here and you are you. It may take intentional work and actions on your part to fully understand and embrace that for yourself, but hopefully, this response from me helps remind you of that.