Did you know that tragedy possesses treasures God wants to extract?
And that God is an expert at turning bad into good?
Believe it or not, every minute of your life is counted for by God, and not one millisecond is wasted.
Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
Now I know it’s easier said than done, but what if you really believed that to be true?
Do you think that would make you see your circumstances from a different lens…a different perspective?
God Makes Beauty From Ashes
In a world full of evil motives and suffering, beauty is not always crystal clear and is sometimes hard to see.
For example, let’s say Miss America walked into a room filled with smoke.
She, in a sense, disappears amidst all the smoke; blocking her from sight.
But does that mean her beauty isn’t there simply because you can’t visually see it?
Of course not!
When the smoke subsides or when she leaves the room you’d clearly see how her beauty was there all along.
While pursuing the clinical psychology field, I’ve come across people with past trauma and pain.
Now, this past trauma and pain may have left emotional scars, but it doesn’t have to disqualify them.
It doesn’t mean they’re now good for nothing.
If they’re still alive and breathing then God’s not done with them yet.
And the same goes for you.
God wants to extract the beauty from the trials or heartbreaks you’ve been through.
It could be to inspire another person going through the same thing, perhaps write a book, or simply draw you closer to God.
The enemy may plot tragedy in your life as he did with Job, but God can use those pains to assist Him the refining process of you!
There is beauty in every tragedy and unfavorable circumstance ask God to show you what that is.
“…but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may be able to discern the perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:2
The world wants us to harp on our trouble and pain, and wallow with them as to justify the hatred in sufferings.
But I encourage you to choose instead to be better, not bitter.
It’s unnatural to seek beauty from tragedy, but that’s God’s will—for you to live a life that is whole with Him.
When Jesus died on the cross at the crucifixion, He saw the beauty from the beginning.
And, He allowed His pain to be a catalyst for the salvation of the world.
I can’t think of anything better coming from a horrendous situation.
Romans 8:17 says, “…Indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”
Can you imagine what God could do through your sufferings if you let Him?
Allow God to get the glory from it, and God will honor you.
You Were Chosen Before Birth
There are so many people in the Bible whose unfavorable circumstances led to amazing outcomes that impacted the world around them.
Take Queen Esther for example.
This is a woman God chose before the foundation of the world to be queen at a specific time and place in history.
But as a little girl, this royal calling in her future was far from a reality.
She endured suffering and tragedy when her parents died at a very young age.
And was adopted by her uncle Mordaci—a Jew in exile under Persian reign.
With her parents gone, and having to live in a home not her own, I’m sure she felt abandoned and alone.
But her faith in God remained intact and we see how God truly never left her side.
God surely called her for a great future, but she had to experience life before she was ready to take hold of her destined position as queen.
As we know, life doesn’t always show up with a gold platter.
Esther could have been mad at God or allowed her burdens growing up to derail her from her destiny.
She could have easily believed she had no value as an orphan girl.
But she didn’t let her past rob her of her future.
And because of that, God eventually opened up a door that would allow all her tragedy to be used powerfully—for the greater good.
He had a plan for her all along…since before she was even born.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” – Jeremiah 1:5
Esther’s sufferings would be used to save a nation.
Pointing to a greater sacrifice to come as Jesus Christ would save the whole world through His sufferings.
Esther didn’t let abandonment, rejection, or tragedy keep her from believing the king could choose her as his queen.
She allowed God to have the final say so on who she was, what she did and stepped into the opportunities He presented to her.
Your Value Isn’t Determined By Your Circumstances
If I took a $100 bill and crumbled it up, it’d still be a $100 bill.
If I threw it in the trash or stomped on it, it’d still be a 100$ bill.
The value of the $100 bill does not change based on its circumstances.
And the same goes for you.
Even though life at times may feel like one big stomping, the value God has placed inside of you has not and will not change—ever.
Queen Esther saw what life had handed her and chose to believe that God could turn it all around.
She chose to trust Him, make the most of it, and walk in obedience to whatever He was calling her to do.
So if you’re struggling today, please know that your heavenly Father wants to use it for His glory.
Trust that He wants to extract beauty from it to accomplish His will and plan for your life and the lives of others.
Will you let Him do that for you?
God specializes in redeeming, renewing and restoring His children.
“If you have a small faith you can say this mountain move and it will be done for you.” – Mark 11:23
What if that mountain is a past tragedy or pain that God wants to uproot from you?
Most people view this as a physical mountain but I challenge you to recognize this may be a spiritual mountain or bondage, and it will require your faith and God’s plan for your life to move it.
Maybe it’s been a mountain you’ve been climbing and climbing, but it’s too steep.
God is showing you, let’s move it together.
For behind that mountain is the plans and purposes God’s been waiting to give you.
“Peace I leave you, my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” – John 14:27
God had favor on Esther and choose her for a specific destiny, but He allowed her to go through struggle first.
And in return, she could extend her personal struggle to a greater struggle for the Jewish people.
From her tragedy, she developed compassion, humility, and courage.
God knew her unfavorable circumstances and faith in Him.
Esther developed the heart and mindset to advocate for her people even in the face of death.
So regardless of her past and pain, God used her.
He knew all she could be because He set the standard.
And once she recognized that too, she was able to step into her calling without limits and rescue a whole nation.
Let God Turn Your Tragedy Into Treasure
Tragedy and suffering aren’t meant to break us but to shape us.
As long as you have breath in your lungs, God wants to use you.
Let God turn your ashes into beauty, for only He has the power to not only heal you but heal many through you.
God has called you by name and prepared good works in advance for you. (Ephesians 2:10)
The enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy not just your life but your destiny. (John 10:10)
So now is the time to allow God to show you your value through His eyes and partner with Him to move any mountains in your path. (Psalm 97:5)
Let the joy of the Lord be your strength today and the portion of your heart forever. (Psalm 73:26)
Amen?
Thank you so much
Your so welcome Nancy!
God Bless
Thank you so much
Your so welcome Nancy!
God Bless
Thank you so much, Erica! God is using you in a mighty way! HE spoke right through you to me in your article! Please continue to sdfve the Lord! My prayers are for you!
Thank you so much Angela!
God is faithful, thank you for your prayers sister!
Thank you so much, Erica! God is using you in a mighty way! HE spoke right through you to me in your article! Please continue to sdfve the Lord! My prayers are for you!
Thank you so much Angela!
God is faithful, thank you for your prayers sister!
Thank you so much,, this was much needed today. God Bless you
Stacy
Praise God Stacy! Im glad the Lord ministered to your heart <3
God Bless,
Erica
Thank you so much,, this was much needed today. God Bless you
Stacy
Praise God Stacy! Im glad the Lord ministered to your heart <3
God Bless,
Erica
Thanks for the encouragement sis! At times difficulties do build character in a person. The Lord keeps bringing me this verse Rom 8:28 for the past 2 weeks.
Thanks for the encouragement sis! At times difficulties do build character in a person. The Lord keeps bringing me this verse Rom 8:28 for the past 2 weeks.
I’ve been married for 22 years and just 4 months ago my husband left me for a little older woman , who is a widow with 2 kids from previous marriage but rich. I guess my husband was blinded by her money. and married her with out telling me he wants out of our marriage. I been hurting and trying to get on with my life but having a hard time coz I’m still married to him still at the moment.he run away with this woman without divorcing me. I don’t know what he wants in life.were retired and our life is set, but he was never content I guess. I at times feel like giving up but I know that God is not happy when I think of that. I’ve been praying to God to give me the strength and energy to be able to get through each day and offering myself to him.i know that he is not sleeping and watching me and heal my pain.pls. Advice me and say a prayer for my peace inside me and heath and more faith in God.i know God will avenge and will repay in his time.
Hi Ofelia,
Thank you for sharing, I am so sorry for what you are experiencing. I do know however, that nothing is hidden from God and nothing takes God by surprise like they do with us.When we surrender to him even the steepest of mountains God can turn it into a plain. While we can’t control what others do, I challenge and encourage you to use this time not as a refection on what your husbands done but instead allow God to show you something about yourself, allow him to grow you, teach you and ask him, what does he want you to do in and through you from this situation. Why? Because we can only control our response, during a test your classmate can’t answer for you only you can, God may appear silent during this time but he’s not, he’s watching how and what will Ofelia do with this situation. Like Job in the bible, I encourage you to meditate on his story and more so his response, his actions and faith…He suffered loss as well, excessive loss yet he taught us something…that the external has no bearing on the eternal. Job 1:20 says that Job tore his robe and feel to the ground and worshiped God in the midst of his suffering. Valuable lesson here, meditate on this. God is sovereign regardless of our human experiences…If you believe that, then know God has a purpose from this..this is a situation you were not meant to carry alone. God wants you to give it all to him in exchange for peace..HIS peace. Sometimes God uses the frailty of human love to draw us to His-divine love, that never fails. The enemy will tell you lies but keep your head and heart in Gods word thats why its known as the sword, it pierces through to unveil truth. Continue being a light, joyful and bless those who persecute you (Romans 12:14) Respond in a way that is foreign to the world but is common in Gods kingdom.
Psalm 34:19 The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers her from them all.
Isaiah 26: 3-4
You will keep her in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because she trust in you.
Speak these verses and others the Lord shows you over yourself, and use first person as you speak.
PS. Also an option, Calvary offers counseling if would like to come in and talk to someone, you can call the office and make an appt. 🙂
May God Bless you Ofelia and I will keep you in my prayers!
I’ve been married for 22 years and just 4 months ago my husband left me for a little older woman , who is a widow with 2 kids from previous marriage but rich. I guess my husband was blinded by her money. and married her with out telling me he wants out of our marriage. I been hurting and trying to get on with my life but having a hard time coz I’m still married to him still at the moment.he run away with this woman without divorcing me. I don’t know what he wants in life.were retired and our life is set, but he was never content I guess. I at times feel like giving up but I know that God is not happy when I think of that. I’ve been praying to God to give me the strength and energy to be able to get through each day and offering myself to him.i know that he is not sleeping and watching me and heal my pain.pls. Advice me and say a prayer for my peace inside me and heath and more faith in God.i know God will avenge and will repay in his time.
Hi Ofelia,
Thank you for sharing, I am so sorry for what you are experiencing. I do know however, that nothing is hidden from God and nothing takes God by surprise like they do with us.When we surrender to him even the steepest of mountains God can turn it into a plain. While we can’t control what others do, I challenge and encourage you to use this time not as a refection on what your husbands done but instead allow God to show you something about yourself, allow him to grow you, teach you and ask him, what does he want you to do in and through you from this situation. Why? Because we can only control our response, during a test your classmate can’t answer for you only you can, God may appear silent during this time but he’s not, he’s watching how and what will Ofelia do with this situation. Like Job in the bible, I encourage you to meditate on his story and more so his response, his actions and faith…He suffered loss as well, excessive loss yet he taught us something…that the external has no bearing on the eternal. Job 1:20 says that Job tore his robe and feel to the ground and worshiped God in the midst of his suffering. Valuable lesson here, meditate on this. God is sovereign regardless of our human experiences…If you believe that, then know God has a purpose from this..this is a situation you were not meant to carry alone. God wants you to give it all to him in exchange for peace..HIS peace. Sometimes God uses the frailty of human love to draw us to His-divine love, that never fails. The enemy will tell you lies but keep your head and heart in Gods word thats why its known as the sword, it pierces through to unveil truth. Continue being a light, joyful and bless those who persecute you (Romans 12:14) Respond in a way that is foreign to the world but is common in Gods kingdom.
Psalm 34:19 The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers her from them all.
Isaiah 26: 3-4
You will keep her in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because she trust in you.
Speak these verses and others the Lord shows you over yourself, and use first person as you speak.
PS. Also an option, Calvary offers counseling if would like to come in and talk to someone, you can call the office and make an appt. 🙂
May God Bless you Ofelia and I will keep you in my prayers!
I’ve been married for 22 years and just 4 months ago my husband left me for a little older woman , who is a widow with 2 kids from previous marriage but rich. I guess my husband was blinded by her money. and married her with out telling me he wants out of our marriage. I been hurting and trying to get on with my life but having a hard time coz I’m still married to him still at the moment.he run away with this woman without divorcing me. I don’t know what he wants in life.were retired and our life is set, but he was never content I guess. I at times feel like giving up but I know that God is not happy when I think of that. I’ve been praying to God to give me the strength and energy to be able to get through each day and offering myself to him.i know that he is not sleeping and watching me and heal my pain.pls. Advice me and say a prayer for my peace inside me and health and more faith in God.i know God will avenge and will repay in his time.
I’ve been married for 22 years and just 4 months ago my husband left me for a little older woman , who is a widow with 2 kids from previous marriage but rich. I guess my husband was blinded by her money. and married her with out telling me he wants out of our marriage. I been hurting and trying to get on with my life but having a hard time coz I’m still married to him still at the moment.he run away with this woman without divorcing me. I don’t know what he wants in life.were retired and our life is set, but he was never content I guess. I at times feel like giving up but I know that God is not happy when I think of that. I’ve been praying to God to give me the strength and energy to be able to get through each day and offering myself to him.i know that he is not sleeping and watching me and heal my pain.pls. Advice me and say a prayer for my peace inside me and health and more faith in God.i know God will avenge and will repay in his time.