Sometimes things happen in our lives-not so good things. I grew up with a dad that suffered from alcoholism and a mental illness. My parents divorced when I was 7. My mom, brothers and I moved in with my grandmother and aunt. Not the best of circumstances to grow up in. (I'll leave it at that) My mom wasn't perfect, but she sure did love us a lot and sacrificed much for us. I grew up, got married and a few years later lost my brother and dad within a year's time.
I wouldn't choose now to go through those things. (Who would?) But I can see how God has taken EVERYTHING and shaped who I am today. (I'm definitely not perfect or where I should be by any means) I can see where God given me a heart for those who suffer with mental illnesses/alcoholism and veterans. All because I saw how much my dad suffered and wanted to be a good dad. I can offer comfort to those who've lost a sibling or a dad. I've seen people come to Christ through my brother's death. I understand growing up in a divorced household. I also made a commitment to my husband that we wouldn't follow in the path of my parents.
We can choose to become bitter about our past--the hurts, the disappointments, the grief or we can grow closer to the ONE that made us. The ONE that loves us, the ONE that was with us every minute and comforted us, protected us, gave us His peace and so much more.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
1 Corinthians 1:3-4