Is There a Reason

A friend of mine recently posted on her blog a question, "Does everything happen for a reason?" And with this, is it the same for believers and non-believers? This made me think of many different things, so there may be some rambling in this post.

There were many events in my life prior to Christ that I used to ask the Lord why He allowed me to go through such things. Despite my questioning, I always knew it wasn't for nought. Through my walk, I have seen Him use some of those things, but never to the depth of what He is using them in my life today. The Lord has placed 3 particular people in my life who are currently in places that caused me great pain, either by my own choice or by the choosing of others. Today, I am blessed to be able to be in their lives to share the joy that the Lord has given me through those trials, the healing He granted me from the wounds and scars left behind, etc. I know that it is through all those difficult times, bad choices, etc., that I came to know my Father in such an intimate way, I know that if I hadn't had gone through them I would not have the compassion I now have.

I also know that without those I wouldn't be able to encourage these sisters and brother. All three are in a place in life that parallels different seasons of my life in prior years. Through each of their trials, I have found greater joy in my Father and remembering all that He allowed in my life, all that He freed me from, and the incredible ways that He has used those circumstances.

Through all of this I am also learning to embrace trials as they come at me, not that I don't hurt or get discouraged through them, but there is also an excitement in them, knowing that God is using them to my good and those who are around me.

I was reminded of a few verses as I typed this:

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in trouble with the same comfort with which we ourselves were comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ."

Acts 14:22b "Through many tribulations, we must enter the kingdom of God."

1 Peter 5:10 "And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you."