Don't Miss The Good Times, They're Closer Than You Think

This week I'm out of town working on a new book that I'm going to be releasing later this year about resolving conflict on your team. You can learn more about that by clicking here. While I'm away, I've asked some of my favorite bloggers to guest write for me.

This is a guest post by Rachel Whitmer. She is one of the most creative people I know. Check the bottom of the page to learn more about her, and to find the link to her blog!

“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” ~ Friedrich Nietzsche

If you are like me, you have heard this quote many times and have perhaps even said it yourself. Itʼs most likely cataloged away in your brain as “cliche”. Itʼs unfortunate that such truth, can become so mundane. At least, thatʼs how it was for me. Until one day I realized, what wasnʼt killing me really was making me stronger and I began saying, “For my good, for Godʼs glory, to make me more like Him.” This little phrase deeply impacted my life and the way I think,  especially the way I think about the hard times in life. Letʼs face it, itʼs the hard times we struggle with. People rarely question why good things happen to them. Not that this statement explains why we have hard times, but rather, an outcome we can look forward to during hard times.

I was reading through the passage in Romans 8:26-39. It says, “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” It goes on to say that He has determined that we “become conformed to the image of His Son”, “we overwhelmingly conquer”, and nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love of God.” 

Also, in 1 Corinthians 10:31, we are instructed to glorify Him in ALL that we do. Not that I succeed at doing this ALL the time, but it is one reason why we were created; to glorify, reveal, honor, and give thanks to God. At that moment, I began to recall all of the “bad” stuff, past and present in my life. I can remember thinking, “if God is going to use all of this for my GOOD, to make me more like Him, and I can glorify Him through it....who am I to complain about the process?!” It certainly isnʼt easy or fun. But knowing His desire to bless my life, I canʼt say, “Sorry God, I donʼt want good in my life, I donʼt want to be a better person, and I donʼt want to glorify You!” I would be foolish to refuse the Giver of all good things. We were promised hard times and the equipping to get through them. I had failed to acknowledge all the good that would come of it and that, in the end, it will all be worth it. Why not live like itʼs worth it now! Considering it all joy when I encounter various trials knowing that the end result will leave me lacking in nothing (James 1:2).This does not discount the pain that we go through during difficult times or mean that we are to 

be “happy” about them. Not at all, and I know that is not how God sees it either. He saves each tear of mine in a bottle (Psalm 56:8)! And Iʼm certain it must be a Costco, big-bulk-size bottle! God has a fatherʼs heart, and parents never like to see their children hurting. Even in my times of disobedience, God has always been faithful in His protection, provision, and even in His blessings. I once heard someone say, “God never wastes our pain and He is never in debt to us.” Oh how sweet that is!Changing my mindset from cursing and cringing at my past and present struggles to having a promise that God will use it for my good, His glory, to make me more like Him, is both empowering and comforting! I know my struggles arenʼt in vain. In the wise words of Marilyn Monroe, “Everything happens for a reason.” At least now I know what some of those reasons are! Even if these are the only reasons I get here on this earth, they are pretty significant! So I leave you with a challenge. The next time you are faced with adversity, remind yourself to hold strong to the promise that God will use ALL of it for your good, His glory, to make you more like Him!


About the author:


I am Rachel Whitmer, a full time domestic agent. Entrusted mother of two special needs teenage boys who have taught me much about life and love. Recently remarried to an amazing man and wonderful partner. Humbled with chronic health issues, I’m a hopeful cynic living joyfully despite life’s many challenges.

For more, visit her blog.