Your Trial is Not the End of Your Story

Recently, I met with two wonderful ladies. I brought them together because one had lost her husband suddenly just 4 months ago. After 50 years of marriage, her heart was broken and her dreams shattered. In the midst of her pain, she was trying to figure out how to move on and maneuver through her new life. The other suffered a similarly devastating loss of her husband 8 years ago. She now helps others through some of the most painful moments of their lives. Her loss has become a beautiful ministry of love and hope when others need it most. 

Another friend, William Johnson, has suffered unimaginable loss from the brutal murder of his father to an unfaithful wife that walked out on him and his son. There have been countless other painful trials he's experienced. His losses could have made him bitter, but he learned to cling to Jesus and depend upon him for the healing of his mind and heart which has brought about a peace and joy that can only be realized in him! His testimony is incredible and it's used to help so many!

You see... your pain, experiences and suffering aren't the end of your story. That's often the beginning of a powerful testimony and a ministry that will be used to help others in their journey. It will bring hope where only pain and hopelessness once existed. 

What has brought about the greatest pain and suffering in your life? It can be what's happened to you or even the regrets of what you've done. Don't let that be what defines you. Build strength and fortitude in God's Word and presence. Then use what the enemy meant to destroy you against him! There's a world that only YOU can touch and relate to. I can't minister to those that have gone through things that I've never experienced like someone who has. Allow God to weave your pain into a thing of beauty! He wants to use every scrap... every broken piece that's been repurposed by His strong hands of love to bring healing and hope to those who are hopeless! 

1 PETER 3:15 (KJV) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.

Isaiah 61:3 (KJV) To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

Romans 8:28 (KJV) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.