Search for the Gift in Everything

This is part 4 of 5 in the series “Move the Needle” by author Megan Valentine.

We have all been through difficult seasons and circumstances. I find it’s not what has happened to us that matters though. Rather, it is what we do in response to it that makes all the difference. 

Maybe like me you have experienced the loss of loved ones because of suicide, strokes, disease and cancer or faced rejection and heartache. 

Has anyone else broken off his or her wedding engagement? Or been misunderstood, misrepresented, criticized or come under judgment? I can’t be the only one to have a close family member in jail leaving multiple children behind. 

Maybe like me you have been lied to, deceived and blamed by people you trust and care about. Have you by chance faced many difficult setbacks with your health or deal with chronic and debilitating pain?

Maybe you resonate with my background (and maybe not).

What is Your Story?

So what is YOUR story? And what is the story you tell yourself? I decided long ago to search for the gift in everything. To believe that things don’t happen TO me, but FOR me. Why can I believe that to be true even on my hardest days?

Because the Bible tells me in Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Emphasis mine.)

What I know to be true is that I discovered purpose in my pain. From my weakness, I grew grit, turned tragedy into triumph, and pity into passion.

At this point some of you are probably saying, “No Megan, you didn’t do any of that. God did.” Can I potentially offend you by saying, “Not quite…”? 

I partnered with him by responding to his goodness, even amidst suffering. Hear me out—because we all have this opportunity.

In that verse, Paul explains that even in a fallen, sinful world “groaning” with hardship, that God is always working for our good. But WE must look for the good that he is doing, cling to that, and move forward from there.

Today’s Challenge: Prayerfully search for the good the Holy Spirit is working in your difficult situations. Glorify him by trusting in his power to work for good.

Today’s devotion by Megan Valentine, a wife, mama of three, and author of the #1 National Bestseller No Place Like Known: A Journey Of Self-Discovery, Chasing Dreams, And Finding Home Right Where You Are. She is the founder of Team Brave: A community of women who are committed to pursuing their dreams, loving their people well, and living lives that matter.