Life can throw some pretty tough stuff our way, and it can feel overwhelming at times.
But here’s the good news – nothing we go through is pointless when we place it in God’s hands.
Why? Because God never wastes an opportunity to bring beauty from something that seems lifeless. He never wastes a hurt.
Let’s unpack this together.
Understanding the Promise
We’ve all been through tough times. Maybe it’s a broken relationship, a job loss, a betrayal, or a health scare.
These experiences can leave us feeling bruised and wondering, “Why did this happen to me?” It’s natural to question and feel the weight of these moments.
However, God’s Word offers us a beautiful reassurance: He uses all things for good.
Romans 8:28 is a verse many of us cling to during tough times. It says,
“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.”
This doesn’t mean that everything that happens to us is good, but God can bring good out of even the most painful situations.
Embracing the Process
Let’s be real – it’s not always easy to see the good when you’re in the thick of a trial. It can feel like you’re stuck in a storm with no end in sight.
But consider this: just as a skilled potter molds clay into a beautiful vessel, God is molding us through our hardships.
James 1:2-4 encourages us,
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Our trials are shaping us, refining our character, and drawing us closer to God.
Finding Purpose in Pain
One of the most powerful ways God uses our pain is to minister to others.
Think about a time when someone else’s story of overcoming adversity gave you hope. Your story can do the same for someone else.
When we share how God has brought us through our struggles, it can be a beacon of hope for others navigating similar paths.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 tells us,
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
Your hurts can become a source of healing for others.
Trusting God’s Plan
It’s crucial to remember that our perspective is limited. We see just a tiny fragment of the big picture, while God sees the whole masterpiece.
What feels like a setback or senseless pain to us might be a crucial part of His grand design.
Jeremiah 29:11 is another verse that brings comfort:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Trusting that God has a good plan for our lives, even when we can’t see it, can bring immense peace.
Reflecting on God’s Faithfulness
As we reflect on our past hurts, let’s take a moment to acknowledge how God has been faithful.
Maybe you’re not fully healed yet, but can you see glimpses of His work?
Maybe you’ve found new strength, deeper empathy, or unexpected blessings in the midst of your trials.
Personal Stories of Redemption
Sometimes, it helps to hear real-life stories of how God doesn’t waste a hurt.
Take the story of Joseph in the Bible, for instance. His brothers sold him into slavery, and he endured years of suffering and injustice. But God had a plan for Joseph’s pain.
In the end, Joseph rose to a position of power in Egypt and was able to save his family and many others from famine.
Joseph famously said to his brothers in Genesis 50:20, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
Or consider the story of Ruth. After losing her husband, Ruth could have been left destitute and hopeless.
But she chose to stick with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and trust in Naomi’s God.
Through a series of divinely orchestrated events, Ruth found herself married to Boaz and became the great-grandmother of King David, from whose lineage Jesus would be born.
What a testament to God’s ability to bring beauty from ashes!
The Role of Community
God often uses people to bring healing into our lives.
In the midst of our pain, it’s essential to stay connected to a community of believers who can support us, pray for us, and remind us of God’s promises.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 highlights the importance of community:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
Sharing our burdens with trusted friends or a church community can provide much-needed encouragement and perspective. It’s okay to lean on others and allow them to help carry the load.
Healing Through Forgiveness
Forgiveness is another critical aspect of healing. Holding onto bitterness and resentment can prolong our pain and hinder God’s work in our lives.
Ephesians 4:31-32 instructs us, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Forgiving those who have hurt us doesn’t mean that what they did was okay, but it does release us from the burden of carrying that pain. It’s a step toward healing and freedom.
God’s Ultimate Healing
While we may experience significant healing and restoration in this life, we also look forward to the ultimate healing that will come in eternity.
Revelation 21:4 gives us a glimpse of this future hope: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
This promise reminds us that our present sufferings are temporary and that God has prepared a glorious future for us where all pain and sorrow will be eradicated.
Keeping our eyes fixed on this eternal hope can give us the strength to endure our current trials.
Reflection Questions
- Can you think of a time when a painful experience later revealed a blessing or lesson?
- How have you seen God use your past hurts to help others?
- What Bible verses or stories bring you comfort when you’re going through a tough time?
Practical Application
- Journal Your Journey: Write down your experiences, focusing on how you’ve seen God work through your pain. This can help you process and see His hand in your life.
- Share Your Story: Look for opportunities to share your testimony with others. You never know who might need to hear your story of God’s faithfulness.
- Pray for Perspective: Ask God to help you see your struggles from His perspective and to trust that He is working for your good.
Friends, remember that no hurt is wasted in God’s economy.
He is the ultimate redeemer, turning our pain into purpose and our trials into testimonies.
Trust Him with your hurts, and watch how He brings beauty from ashes.
Download a printable version of this devotional without ads and images to add to your study binder.
