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 of the blessing in our wounds sounded 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 prepared my heart, I was ironically comforted by memories of emotional and physical wounds—betrayals, insults, abandonments, embarrassments, injuries, pain, and loss from my past. Before shifting 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” (Ephesians 5:20b paraphrased).

God instantly revealed a hidden truth. When I resist bitterness and seek Him in a difficult or painful circumstance, He uses this to transform me into a better person who chooses a better path. Betrayals make me loyal. Insults make me kind. Abandonments make me faithful. Embarrassment makes me considerate. And injuries, pain, and loss make me more compassionate and generous.

Olives yield oil when pressed, and diamonds are made under pressure. 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 minimize another’s suffering for a second. I only want to offer an opportunity to exchange the label of victim for the one that says “blessed.” We are all victims at some point, but we choose 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. 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