All Things Work Together for Good

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

This week my best friend and I have been talking a lot about maintaning a positive attitude. For me because of this scripture it is easier for me not to get upset over day to day things than it is for them. When he asked me how I can be so happy all the time I referred him to this scripture. We have to believe 100% that everything that happens to us is for our benefit. At first glace when you see me or even while you are reading this you may assume that nothing bad has ever happened to me. Well let me tell you a few of my trials and triumphs.

When I was a little girl I was molested. I don't remember much about it but I do remember being in the corner in the closet scared with a a hole in my tights. A man whose face I can't remember but I know he was a relative, found me in the closet, took me to change my tights and told me not to ruin my great grandmothers birthday party. I was 7. I didn't tell my parents until I was 16 and about to leave the house. I knew had I said something earlier my father would have killed my assailant and I would have to grow up without my dad. How has this benefited me?

Well for one I became a person who didn't want "to ruin it". I always pushed my feelings aside thinking instead of the other person and how my feelings if vocalized may negatively effect them. This is something that I still struggle with sometimes. It is important to voice ones feelings to have an authentic relationship. On the other hand this deep level of empathy I developed helped me not to hold a grudge. I know that what happened to me was a result of something that more than likely happened to my molester. Understanding that, and that this horrible situation could be used for my benefit made it easier for me to forgive him and move on. God has allowed me to work with hundreds of girls over the past 6 years. Many of which were molested and never talked about it. Many of these young girls were ashamed, and deeply scarred. God has allowed me to be in there lives and help them through some of their healing.

If you are wondering, "how can I just do that"? "How can I just believe that everything all the time is going to work out for good. What about those impossible situations where everything is going wrong and I can see no good that can come from it?" I suggest you do two things. The first thing is to write down the hardest situations in you life. I mean those times where you felt most alone, where you felt the most hurt, pain or lack of understanding. Next write down positive things that have happened as a result of that situation. If you cant think of anything right away start with the obvious. Your still here. You survived. Try to avert the negatives dont write, "I'm glad he left me because I didn't need him anyway." Try instead to write, "It only gets better from here, I learned a lot so the next man that comes into my life will be better for me". This may take some time, and some soul searching and it may not be easy, but it is necessary.

The second thing for you to do is to speak positive words. "Faith comes by hearing". My mom used to make us say two positive things for every negative thing when my siblings and I would talk about each other. Do the same. When you find yourself thinking negative thoughts say out loud two positive things. For example when stuck in traffic. Rather than getting upset say, "Thank you God I may have just avoided an accident, or thank you God for allowing me more time with you or your kids, or who ever is in the car with you at the moment".

Before you know it you will believe that all things work out for your benefit. You will start to recognize and appreciate how God redeems the hard times. Say this scripture to yourself often and remember practice makes perfect. Christianity is the practice of operating in the teaching of Christ.

Father,
Help us to realize that we are you favorites. Reveal to us the depth of your love. Show us how you have or will redeem our past trials and tribulations. Help us to really believe that all things work together for our good. We know you are sovereign and that your word is true but help us to believe it and walk in that belief. Continue to shape and mold us, to make us more like you. We love you, we thank you. Amen.