Grief Bites: Finding Treasure In HardshipsSample

Max* has made a great impact on my life. He was born to an unwed mother who loved him, went through a major illness in high school, had several friends die when he was 17, witnessed a lot of conflict, his father died his junior year of high school, and he went through a lot of rejection as well as abandonment from people he should have been able to trust and depend on.
He also was hurt and wronged by circumstances at the church he had attended. Max made some poor choices due to the hurts he experienced in life...but God was faithful to redeem him.

Max had many reasons to become depressed and bitter...and for a season he did...but God is giving him the grace everyday to choose a different path.

One day, after continually being knocked down, he got up and set goals to create a new life. His junior year in college, he lost over 100 pounds on his own and has chosen a career field to help others through their hurts. He teaches and mentors high school guys, and he leads a men's group at his church. He also plays in 2 praise bands at the church he now attends. As he leads and mentors, he shares his personal experiences so he can help others to prevent similar poor choices and he encourages them to overcome their situations.

Something I love about Max is that he has the ability to truly see people the way Jesus sees them. He unconditionally loves and doesn't reject or look down on those who have been knocked around in life, and he doesn't judge those who have made poor decisions.

God is mightily using Max and all of his life experiences to make a great impact in the lives of those around him. The Lord has definitely blessed Max and has been gracious to Him.

What areas of your life can you set goals and overcome your challenges?
With the losses and challenges you have experienced, how can God use you to serve others?

The losses you have faced in life were not allowed into your life to defeat you...they may have been allowed so, like Max, you can help others.

In Christ, we can do all things. No matter what you have been through, life is not over...even if it feels like it.

God has plans of great good for your life. Love Him with all your heart and seek Him with all your might. He is faithful to take your heartaches, losses, and decisions and turn them around to make them into something good.

You have so much to offer your loved ones and those God places in your life for His glory. Ask God to mightily use you! You truly are valuable!