After my dad was murdered (when I was 18 years old), I went through some tough times, some deep grief. I didn’t understand why God would let something like that happen to my family. I knew about God, I knew about Jesus, but I didn’t have a relationship with him. I was hurt that God could let this happen. And I turned away from him.
But now I can see how God used that brokenness to make me the person I am today. God took this awful, hurtful event and turned my life into something beautiful... when I was in my deepest grief, He allowed small truths to enter my life. He stood firm and loved me even when I was running away from Him.
I am the person I am today because of my grief. He walked me out of the darkness into the light. I can experience great joy because I’ve also experienced great loss. What Satan tried to use to break me, God used to save me!
I am stronger, I am braver, I love deeper, I smile more, I laugh often, I cry easily, I hug tighter and I can thank God for my past, my hurts, and my scars.
Friends, if you are hurting, if you are battling, take courage!! God is working... He has a plan, a plan to work all things for good. You can and will overcome!
John 16:33~In this world you will have trouble, but take courage, for I have overcome the world.
Isaiah 61:3~To provide for those who grieve...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes.