And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

 

What’s the hardest lesson you’ve ever had to learn?

One of the world’s most famous photographers and interviewers often asks his subjects, “What’s one of the hardest lessons you’ve had to learn?”[1] Through years of interviewing everyone from presidents to people in prison, he’s heard incredible stories of endurance and wisdom. Many of the people he interviews have endured unthinkable hardships, but often, their greatest lessons come from their darkest moments.

The amazing thing about many of these stories is that people don’t just endure their pain—they find value in it. They’ve fallen into life’s pits and chosen to mine for gold while down there. God doesn’t want us to waste our pain and hardship either. He wants to redeem it and bring good that can only come from His power in our lives. The Bible says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28)

Immaculée Ilibagiza experienced this miraculous work of God in her life. God didn’t just rescue her. He used her story to bring hope and healing to millions around the world. Ilibagiza survived the 1994 Rwandan genocide by hiding for 91 days in a cramped bathroom with seven other women, where she cried to God to overcome fear, anger, and despair. When she emerged from hiding, she learned that nearly all of her family had been killed, yet she chose forgiveness over anger, even meeting the man who murdered her mother and brother, face-to-face.[2]

Terrible things happen in life, but with God, there is redemption. Even your darkest moments can be transformed into golden good. Ask God to turn your pain into something powerful for you and others.

[1] Stanton, Brandon. Humans of New York. “What’s one of the hardest lessons you’ve had to learn?” Humans of New York, www.humansofnewyork.com.

[2] Ilibagiza, Immaculée. Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust. Hay House, 2006.