Several years ago, my heart ejection fraction went down to 14%. This led my cardiologist to do more tests. In the end, the MRI showed I have a rare congenital heart condition… something I was born with. In essence, my heart doesn’t pump blood as efficiently as a normal heart, which causes a lot of lightheadedness and fatigue, especially when I over-exert myself. I now have a pacemaker that seems to help. While there is no cure for this condition, the diagnosis gave me answers for a lifetime of physical struggles. I am VERY thankful for the answers because now I know I’m not crazy… LOL.
As I look back at these struggles, I can say with absolute certainty that I have learned a lot about God and my faith grew exponentially. I have done a lot of public speaking, and since this is outside my comfort zone, the nervousness often caused lightheadedness. But God ALWAYS gave me strength to do it. It reminded me that what God calls you to do, He will provide. It also made me depend on Him more, which increased my faith a hundred-fold. I have learned to TRUST Him in everything.
We know this verse in Romans 8:28 and we have often recited it. But these words speak of GREAT truths we need to be reminded of. First, God is sovereign. That means that He determines every aspect of our lives. Second, that God is working in EVERY situation. And third, He uses EVERYTHING for our good. He doesn’t bring the bad things, but He will use them for our good. He may want to teach us patience, dependance, forgiveness. He may want to increase our prayer life. He may use our circumstances to teach us about His character, how to love stronger, how to abide in Him, and to dig deeper into His Word for answers.
God may want to teach us lessons on relationships, community, marriage, spiritual warfare. He may use our not-so-good things to turn us around and to put us on a better path. He may want us to look to the cross. He may want to heal our brokenness, set us free, or deliver us from bondage. Here’s the thing… God knows us better than anyone, even better than we know ourselves. And He wants the BEST for us. So, He works everything together for our good. Maybe we should ask, “Lord, what do you want to teach me through this?” Let these words encourage you today.