My husband and I have four young children and no matter how much we tell them what is right, there are some lessons they have to learn on their own. In some cases, their curiosity gets the best of them and they try things that end up causing them pain.
And there's no better teacher than pain.
Certainly, as a protective mom, I hate to see them hurting. I wish that I could keep them from ever feeling any discomfort. Yet, I know that my children must experience some hardship of their own so that, on the next time, they'll know better.
Similarly, in life, some lessons come hard don't they? Everything can't be learned in a book or vicariously through the life experiences of another. Some things you've just got to live through in order to extract and apply those invaluable lessons.
Think about it.
What have you gone through that hurt you more than anything else? Despite the agony of the troublesome situation, didn't it mature you? Didn't you grow as a result of that hardship? Once some time had passed, weren't certain things revealed to you about the encounter that you were unable to recognize before?
Here's my point.
Though God loves and cares for us, He is and always will remain the consummate teacher. He knows there are specific life lessons we can only grasp through adversity. So He'll, at times, step aside and allow us to confront trouble head on in order to teach us pertinent lessons... lessons that will ensure our preparedness the next time.
You see, God knows that pain and growth go together. I know that might not make you want to jump and shout for joy, but it's true.
We all want to be enlarged, but we don't want to be stretched.
Stretching hurts.
Being challenged is uncomfortable. But if we focus on the powerful lessons, rather than trying to run away from the pain, we'll emerge from our tests stronger, wiser, and more prepared than ever to fulfill our Kingdom purpose in the earth.
I believe that there are certain mountains we circle over and over again in our lives, because we have not gained the necessary insight to move forward. So then, God, in His infinite wisdom, will allow us to face situations and circumstances that force us to pay attention to what we have ignored for far too long.
And once He gains our attention, He pours His wisdom into us so that we can avoid going down the same ineffective and often, destructive path again.
Perhaps you're facing a very trying time in your life today; don't fear and don't be discouraged. God is increasing your wisdom. He's positioning you to do better. I know you might not see it now, but just keep holding on. You'll soon be able to look back on this and say, "Oh! That's what you were teaching me God. I couldn't see it then, but now I understand!"
And all that anxiety, frustration, and fear you may presently feel will be replaced with a heart full of praise and gratitude for the wisdom God has bestowed upon you.
Next time you'll know what to do and what not do. You'll be better equipped to confront similar situations with grace, poise, and confidence. In fact, there will be some incidents that will be avoided altogether because you will see the signs and change course before things even get to this point!
Once you know better, you'll do better. So today, I want you to know; I see some "do better" days in your future! And if you're having a hard time thanking Him for your right now, just praise Him for your next time. As the saying goes, "I see you in your future and you look much better than you do right now."
Just be strong and stay encouraged. It's gonna be all right.
As always, thanks for reading, and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!
Dianna Hobbs
