Here in the twenty-first century, we have so many great things in our lives—family, friends, and iPhones, just to name a few. But we live with a lot of stress, too, don’t we? Our lives have been turned upside down by an unprecedented pandemic. Social media captures our attention, but the photos of other people’s seemingly excellent, exciting lives twinge our hearts with a little sadness and longing for what we’re missing. And the harsh words people are willing to write there usher in a black cloud over our day.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. – Psalm 138:8

As I sit to write this, putting my past life into words has been a healing journey of saying goodbye to the old me. The old me, who I loved, but am more than okay not seeing again. Someone recently asked me if I could do it all again, would I still marry my ex-husband. That question struck me hard because I honestly didn’t know what I would say. If I hadn’t married him, would there be a lot less pain? Would I have done as much healing without myself and him breaking me down so that God could build me up? I probably will never have the answer, but that’s okay. 

Everyone goes through hard times, at different times and for different reasons.  Jesus even told us we would have troubles in this life (John 16:33).  Maybe for you, something happened that you weren’t expecting.  Maybe you’re confused as to what God is doing in your life.  Maybe for whatever reason, things are just plain hard.