The 360 Lesson

Sometimes we make unorthodox decisions based on the intent of our hearts. Whether it be that we are too passionate, too caring or too overwhelmed, many of our decisions usually come from a good place...or so we think...at least we hope.

The awesome thing about God and His way of working things out for our good (Romans 8:28) is that we receive a lesson from every aspect of our situations. When we overact, for instance, we surmise that we need to learn patience. When we lie, we learn that the opinions of others are more important to us than having or keeping our integrity. And, when we allow people to use us, we understand that we fail to value the precious anointing God has placed in us...that perhaps we don't feel as though we deserve happiness...that we, instead, are placed in the lives of others to serve them rather than God. Maybe we may even enjoy the control we have over someone that constantly depends on us rather than trusting in God. 

The greatest lesson we can learn from the fullness of our sufferings and inconsistencies is how we see ourselves. 

Once our true character is tried by the dilemmas we face we may find ourselves saying, "Who am I, really?"  

Interestingly enough, every lesson we learn points back to a flaw that, if we choose to correct, will usher us closer to the purpose God has for us. It is then that we realize, through the situations we find ourselves in, God has destined us to ameliorate ourselves! That at the foundation of every challenge are the tools to see ourselves more illuminated. The amazing thing about that light is that it serves a dual purpose: to show us our infirmaries and to intensify the beauty of our path.

Yes, the things we suffer: homelessness, shame, molestation, embarrassment, abandonment, hubris and the like bring us closer to our path and strengthen both our resolves and our stories
When we think about it this way, there's so much more light in those gloomy places we would love to bury.