Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” ‬‬

~Philippians 4:8 NIV

At first glance, the thought that there is a blessing in our wounds sounds absurd.

No one in their right mind knowingly asks for an insult or a wound, let alone a disease or life-altering loss. however, as I was preparing my heart, I was suddenly comforted with memories of emotional and physical wounds–betrayals, insults, abandonments, embarrassments, injuries, pain, and loss from my past. Before I could shift my thoughts to the positive, the Lord spoke into my heart, saying, “Give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (paraphrase of Ephesians 5:20b).

He instantly revealed a hidden truth. When I have resisted bitterness and sought Him in a hard or painful circumstance, He has used this to transform me into a better person that chooses a better path.

Betrayals made me loyal.

Insults made me kind.

Abandonments made me faithful.

Embarrassment made me considerate. And injuries, pain and loss made me more compassionate and generous. It is in the pressing that olives give forth oil; it is under pressure that diamonds are made. The Lord uses the wounds we receive from others as tools. When we submit to Him in them, He uses them to shape us into the image of His Son.

Terrible things happen in this life, and I wouldn’t for a second minimize another’s suffering. I only want to offer an opportunity to exchange the label, “victim,” for one that says, “blessed.” We are all victims at some point, but it is our choice to remain one.

Share how God has worked good out of a terrible situation.

Father God, I bring my wounds before You, grateful for Jesus Christ, and that through Him You work all things together for my good (Rom 8:28). Thank You for blessings—the big ones, small ones, hidden ones, and even the blessing in my wounds, because when I let You use them, they make me more like Your Son Jesus.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2020: The Blessing in Our Wounds: Julie Souza Bradley Lilly: All Rights Reserved