Turn It Around

It is always God’s design to take the bad and turn it around
for something good.

Having lost my dad at 14, I have an instant point of
connection with children who have lost a parent. That is but one example. I am learning that every piece of my life can
be useful for His purposes. Especially
the most difficult parts.

It would be easier to bury the pain of past disappointments
and failures. It would be easier to not repeat the stories of the tragic
moments of life again and again. It
would seem easier to walk on in life pretending to have it all together all of
the time.

However, the tender
and remarkable presence of God is not simply for me.

It is for me to give
away.

By sharing my story He brings help to kindred spirits. By divulging my failures He brings my
brothers and sisters and I to common ground.
In relating my trials and the ways I’ve coped through life I become a
genuine, trusted friend. And most importantly, as I share the difficult parts
of my story along with the greatness
of my “turn it around” God, there arises a power for living. Hope is born and faith becomes ripe for
increase. And as I give of myself by
sharing my life journey, healing comes my way, restoration is added piece by
piece, and the depths of joy in suffering are uncovered.

He has come to me in
comfort and in healing. He has come to
me in patient forgiveness and in steady lovingkindness. He has met me with compassion and has most
tenderly and gently dressed my wounds. He cares for me. And oh yes, He desires that I
would feel better, that I would be whole and free. But again, I am not the end.
I am the channel for all of Him to flow through as He extends Himself to meet
the needs of those around me.

We face you today
Father with the joy of knowing that you will piece together the torn and
fraying edges of our lives. The collection of scraps and mismatched patterns
within us are not a challenge for you.
May you add your beauty and splendor, divine ability, and the greater
purpose of your glory to the deep and hurting places of your children, that we
would find the strength to walk in the likeness of you.