Searching for That "Reason"

"I don't know why bad things happen to us, but I have to believe that something good is going to come out of this. I don't know what that is. I really wish I did." This is probably one of my favorite lines in Soul Surfer, and I feel like I've gotten into conversations like this a lot lately.

Big or small, crappy things happen; it's a part of life. God always has a reason behind everything he puts us through, even if we can't see that reason at first. A lot of times, he wants to use us in ways he couldn't in a place we are comfortable in. I've found that he really likes pushing us out of our comfort zone, especially when we've become so accustomed to the way our life is going. Sometimes, in order to make us into the people he wants us to be, God has to first take us, break us, and mold us into something new. It's in these times when all we want to do is break down under the pressure that we need to pray continually, and give thanks in ALL circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). Romans 8:28 says, "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." Nothing happens that God doesn't know about. He has a plan, and although he may not reveal it all at once, he still occasionally gives us bits of his will for our lives. The process we sometimes have to go through in order to become the person he wants us to be may totally suck. It may yank us from anything and everything familiar, and it may feel like we've hit rock bottom, but the only place you can go from rock bottom is up. God is with us every step of the way, guiding and carrying us through this roller coaster we call life.

Press on even when it hurts and use the struggles to learn to rely on God more. Don't lose hope, and keep searching for that "reason." Despite how rocky the road may be, keep your head up because you are so so SO freaking loved. I swear you WILL figure out why all of this is happening if you let God lead you to it. Also remember that I'm here through every step of this crazy journey over the next few years. "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! He has overcome the world." (John 16:33)