"Bad" Experiences‏

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A few days ago, I began thinking of my year so far and remembered what my pastor declared over us, an Ephesians 3:20 year, "...exceedingly abundantly far and above anything I can ever ask, think, or imagine", and my thought went something like this, "Yeah right! Eph 3:20...haven't seen that! In fact, all I've seen are bad experiences, mistakes, pain, and unfulfilled dreams.". Before I had time to meditate on this negative thought, I was reminded of Romans 8:28, which declares that "all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose." (AMP). It is tempting to view the things that happen to us as bad experiences, but consider that what you think is a bad experience may actually be a blessing in disguise. As those who have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, the things we experience are not independent of each other, meaning that if that "bad" experience hadn't occurred, then every other "good" experience would probably never have occurred.  We see this principle at work in the life of Joseph. In Gen 37, 38-47, we are taken on a journey through the life of Joseph, from being sold to slavery, to reconciliation with the very same people who sold him, and we can see that if anyone had reason to complain and bemoan his bad fortune, it would be Joseph. Now, if the "bad" experience of being sold into slavery by his brothers hadn't occurred, Joseph wouldn't have been in a position to fulfill his calling and destiny...the one he dreamed about. Actually, his "bad" experience pushed him closer to his destiny. It placed him exactly where he needed to be to fulfill his calling.

In my experience, I've seen that there are several advantages of "bad" experiences in our lives. "Bad" experiences:
  • draw us into a closer walk and relationship with God: I've mentioned Joseph as one biblical example. Others include: Moses (Exodus 2-3), David (2 Samuel 11-12), Job, The Apostle Peter, The Apostle Paul, and much more. God is certainly more interested in our growth and in perfecting us than in making us "comfortable" here on earth. The culmination of our walk with Him is our perfection (Phil 1:6, "...He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you."---AMP). We gain a better understanding of who God is (no...He more than likely won't tell you why you had to go through what you have been through, or what you may be going through at the moment, but you'll begin to understand His promises a lot better and the whys of life become less important.). If we are able to stand in faith, our love for and experience of Him will deepen. 
  • draw us into a closer relationship with others: We become more sympathetic to the plight of others and less judgmental. If we never experienced trials and tribulations, if we were never challenged in this life, what wold our testimony be? How would we be able to relate to others? How would we be able to minister? It is our test that produces our testimony, which in turn enables us to be minister to others. And because our love for Him increases, our love for others increases as well.

  • bring us closer to fulfilling our calling and destiny: I mentioned above Romans 8:28 (all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose."). I remember my pastor teaching us about this scripture. In trying to help us better understand it, my pastor gave us a vivid example...baking a cake.Think about the ingredients used to make a cake. On their own, each ingredient is not very tasty. Have you tasted baking powder on it's own? How about flour? Yeah...not so delicious. But, when all the ingredients are mixed together (the right way of course), and placed in the oven, with time, a wonderfully scrumptious cake is produced. Yes, ALL things (placed under God's authority and control...good or bad) are working together for my good...and for yours as well, and in time, we'll see God's plan beginning to take shape in our lives.

 It's all about perspective folks. Choose to begin to see "bad" experiences as something that can produce good in your life, and you'll begin to see God's hand in your life and circumstances. Yes, beauty can rise out of the ashes in your life, and what you think is a "bad" experience may actually be a blessing in disguise. Change your perspective!

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