Today, I’d like you to consider a whole new way of viewing your life and your purpose. I want you to think about why you’re facing certain challenges. Sometimes, especially when it comes to material things, or the losses in life, when things don’t go our way in our job, or in our relationships, or things aren’t going the way we’re asking, sometimes these things are actually happening for us. I want you to look at things from a God-centered perspective: Some of the challenges you face in life aren’t happening to you, they are happening for you. They are occurring for your benefit! Don’t think this is happening to me; think this is happening for me! 

It is often in the midst of stress, anguish, and trials that we can grow when we place them in God’s hands. For instance, when you prune a tree, it looks smaller. The tree now looks like it’s about to die, but the pruning is actually meant to strengthen it. Your life is pruned through tests and trials and it becomes stronger. That’s how we’re made. If you say, Lord, here’s my broken, bent, and messed up heart. Make it what you want it to be, the response from God is that it will hurt a little bit. But you say, Lord, just do your thing because it’s for my good. Together, let’s make this happen! 

Friend, watch what God brings forth. Initially, you’ll hate it, it’ll stink, and it’ll be painful. But once you get over it, you’ll look back and realize God has a great plan for you. This is my prayer for you.