Every day is a new adventure with God. Not all days are easy, but each one is full of hidden beauty if we take the time to look beyond the pain to find it. How do I know? Well, like everyone else I've experienced a little pain over the years. Okay, more than a little but that is not my focus. Sure, I could focus on the pain and stay stuck in despair, however, I have chosen to live a life seeking the greater good.
From early childhood I remember crying out to God and He heard my prayers. How do I know? Because, I got answers. They came without anyone knowing that I had asked for them. You see, most of my prayers have been silent prayers. Over the years, my most effective prayers have been those shared with NO OTHER HUMAN, but whispered from deep within my soul to the heart of God.
You may say, "I don't believe you! Prove it!"
The proof: I've become more and more content over the years being the person God created me to be. I'm still not there yet and I may never be there on this side of eternity, but I'm content running the race of life He's called me to.
While my contentment may or may not be enough proof and certainly not scientific proof; if you look around you will find most humans are NOT content. In fact, many humans are not even sure what they want and then when they get what they think they want they are still not happy.
Lest you think I have it all together allow me to clear that up here and now. I still ask God for "things" I do not need and probably would not be happy with if they were given to me. My prayers are not perfect and neither is anything else about me. I am human.
What I long to convey to anyone who is struggling with past hurts whether they are of their own doing or because of wounds inflicted by others is:
* GOD is greater than the pain you are experiencing and HE desires to see you through to the end. HE will use your pain to make you a better person if you will allow HIM and HE will use it for the greater good of all.
Largely, my life and purpose does not make sense to most people. I am happy when I see a glimmer of hope in the life of another human. To see a smile emerge from pain is one of the greatest joys of my life. Sure, it can be difficult to walk alongside other hurting people, but it is also a beautiful blessing. I count it an honor and a privilege.
Some people are called to build roads to new civilizations, become doctors, lawyers, missionaries, and businessmen. Some of us do not have fancy titles nor could we handle them if we had them. When asked if I work I usually say "no!" My answer makes my husband a little crazy, because he knows and sees what I do. By the worlds standards I do not work because I do not get a formal paycheck. My reward is far greater than money. I am happy "trying" to be the person God created me to be.
By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,
Andrea Bowling Perdue
