Stems and peels are commonly tossed in the trash or compost piles when cooking fresh vegetables. There is a growing trend in the culinary world to use all parts of a food item. Peels can be used to make flavorful broths and sauces while the stems can be turned into a tasty addition to any plate. This helps to reduce or even complete eliminate waste. Food experts are teaching us that there is a purpose for all parts of a food item.
When we’re stuck in a tough situation, we tend to question the purpose of it. There are seasons in our lives when it feels like we’re trapped in a slow-sinking, eternal pit of quicksand. Any effort to move forward, to get unstuck seems pointless. We aim our complaints heavenward, questioning God’s motives while begging Him for relief.
He does not turn a blind eye to our discomfort in hard situations. God is not ignoring our cries for help. But while we’re busy yelling and fussing, we may miss what He is saying.
There are times God allows hard situations in our lives because there is a bigger purpose intended. Not all hardships are personal attacks. It’s through the challenges that we become aware of the true condition of our hearts and can allow God to heal us. God can use our healing process for His glory.
In the Message version, 2 Corinthians 1:4 says
He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.
God wastes nothing.
He desires a deeper experience with us and empowers us to share our story of transformation as encouragement for others in their spiritual journey. We are only exposed to one perspective in our trials—ours. Yet God sees all perspectives. He’s fully aware of how the bigger picture comes together, similar to a mosaic.
We can trust God and His glory of the purpose for our lives.
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{This post is part 7 of 10. The entire series is found on the introductory page, A Deeper Experience.}
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Sabrina Jacques-Rowe
Communication Leader
Henderson Highway Church