As I sat there, listening to a woman pouring her heart out, I heard bits and pieces of my own story...
“I am sure that the good work God began in you will continue until he completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again.” Philippians 1:6 ERV
I could identify with her pain. Not just sympathize, but empathize—with genuine compassion and tears of solidarity.
When she finished, I let the Holy Spirit guide my words. I reassured her that God wasn’t finished writing her story and He would be faithful to put her heart back together. I could promise her that in every battle against her ugly emotions and destructive thoughts, there was victory.
It is in these times I am reminded that my pain and suffering have been transformed into a beautiful bridge of hope—a viaduct for someone else to encounter the reality of our Redeemer. He lets nothing go to waste, and often our most powerful weapons are the very things the enemy has previously tried to destroy us with.
Yes, we have victory in Christ and yes He fights for us—but we still have to show up to the battle. We may have to go into uncomfortable territory and confront things we’d rather avoid, but triumph can only come if there’s a struggle. We must identify our enemy in order to defeat him.
God’s nowhere close to being finished with me, but I do marvel when I look back at all He’s done.
To take the most horrid seasons of our time here and resurrect hope, joy and purpose— that’s the heart of God. He truly is at work in the life of every believer. And as the saying goes, I’m not where I want to be, but thank God I’m not where I used to be.
by: Jaime Betters
For more of Jaime's writing please see www.remadecommunity.org