Today Is Going to Be a Good DayChikamu

Today is a good day because the enemy may attempt to come at us from every direction, but God’s ways are so much higher than our enemy’s that he is able and willing to use what the enemy intends to harm us for his good.

When we are in the heat of a situation and unsure how God could ever turn it around or use it for good, we can take a deep breath, remember that the military never reveals its secrets before they take the enemy out, and trust that God is in complete control. Then wait and watch, to see how God uses even the most difficult of circumstances for good. Only an ever-loving God is capable of doing that.

Years ago, when I was treating patients in my private practice, for conditions such as depression and anxiety, I understood the physiology and the presentation and the best treatments for those conditions. I had compassion for my patients to the degree that my heart could understand.

When I later went through a period of severe clinical depression, I realized that I previously understood with my head, but not with my heart. Those were the darkest days, and a pain I wouldn’t wish on anyone. But it deepened my compassion, empathy, and understanding in a way that fostered my desire to help even more people get through their trials and suffering.

Had I given up in the midst of my suffering, which is what the enemy always wants because he’s the one who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy us, then he would have won. But by clinging to God through the trial, and allowing him to see me through to the other side, God has allowed me to help many others who suffer.

I have received emails, phone calls, and direct messages from others around the world who are grateful for my newly developed understanding and compassion when they need it most. While I would never wish that depression experience on anyone else, I can now say I am grateful God allowed it and brought good from it.

How have you seen God bring good from painful circumstances?

Father, who but you can we trust to bring good from what the enemy intends to harm us? Help us to trust you in the hard times, and depend on your righteousness to bring good from our difficult situations. In the dark and difficult moments, keep our focus on you with eager anticipation of what you will do in and through it. In Jesus’s name, Amen.