The saying “When life gives you lemons make lemonade” is so true! When we have a situation or incident that goes wrong and we don’t understand why, we have to push through and keep trusting that God knows!

I have personally been through so much in my life (I am turning 40 in December and I can’t believe it 🤣). I sat on my therapist couch a few weeks ago as tears streamed down my face, I looked at her and said “I am exhausted with always trying to be strong.” I have had to be strong my whole life and I am drained. I don’t know how I can keep going. I don’t know how I am still here. My therapist pauses at me and says, “Honestly, I don’t know how you are still here either.” I looked at her with a confused stare. She goes, “I mean, most of my clients would have “checked out” a long time ago. With everything you have been through in life, you are one of the strongest people I know.”

Then the tears came.

I am sitting here thinking about that conversation today. I am watching my daughter play at this indoor playground and quietly observing everyone around me. Have I been through a lot? Yes. Yes I have. But honestly, I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t!

God showed me something in my devotions recently. The story of Joseph in the Bible (Genesis 37-50) spoke to me. Joseph endured betrayal from his brothers (the sold him into slavery!) and told their father he was killed (Wow! They were some nice big brothers! 🙄). Their father Jacob was devastated when he heard the news and rightfully so!

Joseph went on to become close to pharaoh after interpreting a dream and pharaoh made him second in command. When Joseph’s brothers realized later in the story that their brother was second in command under pharaoh they begged Joseph not to kill them and make them his slaves for the evil they committed against him.

When the brothers questioned if Joseph would take it out on them later in the story, Joseph stated that he had forgiven them for their wrongdoings against him. He then said, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).

When I saw this, I was like Woah! Could I forgive like that and look at it from that lens? The people who had severely hurt me, could I see Gods faithfulness and goodness even in the bad? This was a quick reality check for me. Who am I to hold onto anger when I sin just like the ones who sinned against me? God forgives ALL sin and commands us to do the same. We are to follow Jesus’s example of kindness, love, forgiveness and compassion.

Is it hard? Absolutely Yes! It is one of the hardest things I ever had to do but the end result is FREEDOM from the hurt that held me captive for so long! So even if they hurt me, God used it for good. It has strengthen my relationship with him and help me see who he is through the hurt and pain. God is good! Jesus is good! Love conquers all. He loves us more than we could ever imagine and even though we constantly fall short in sin daily, he is faithful to forgive us! His mercy is new everyday and his love for us never ends. That’s why the God of the universe gave his one and only son to die on the cross so we could be in heaven with him.

In conclusion, when you are struggling with a situation and aren’t sure how to handle it, remember God does. Ask for guidance and understanding and always remember, He is with you in all things! 😊