ALL things work together for good…

Throughout my life I have been constantly reminded that “All things work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Perhaps it is because this week I have been especially nostalgic, or perhaps it is what this particular week in history means in the whole grand scheme of my life, but I have been reminded once again how true this verse is.

Growing up, I was never the most popular, I was never the girl that all the boys flocked to, and all too often I have been guilty of asking God why each situation that I wasn’t happy with, had to be that way. More times that not this particular verse has been given to me. Looking back on the past twenty two years, I can say that every word is true in my life.

Losing my grandparents, while one of the hardest times in my life, has taught me not only to appreciate the ones I love with every fiber of my being, but also has afforded me numerous opportunities to minister to others experiencing the same thing.

Another thing that I always struggled with was simply being liked.The amazing thing is that most of the people I cared so much about pleasing and being accepted by aren’t even in my life anymore. I look at their lives, not in judgment, but rather in amazement and wonder why I cared so much to begin with. I honestly see that NOT being liked or accepted by those people worked out for the greater good in my life.

Finally anyone who knew me in high school probably knows that I struggled with my best friend having a boyfriend and me being the third wheel. At the time it was painful and I just couldn’t understand what was wrong with me. Now I realize that there was nothing wrong with me, and that the whole situation led me to Drew. I cherish the fact that Drew was my first and only boyfriend. I didn’t have to search and go through guy after guy to find the one for me. I can also see how God still uses memories from the past to not only teach me things, but also to appreciate Drew and the course my life has ultimately taken.

These are just a few of the examples of God teaching me through this verse. I don’t always understand, but looking back I can see the good in most situations in my life. When the bad days come I know I am given this promise, and on the good days I am reminded just how true the promise is.