Yesterday, the pastor at my church preached a message about transitions.  Among the many useful things he said, one in particular stood out to me.  That when you’re going through a major change or transition in your life – that is most likely when you are getting your story.

Having recently been through a pretty substantial state of transition (that is still ongoing)… I obviously could relate to this message.  Not only was I still adjusting to life without my mom in it, but I’ve also been overcoming some old health issues (finally!), cleaning out my belongings, becoming more financially stable and even purchasing my first home!  It’s been a lot of changes at once but you know what I’ve heard repeatedly from others along the way?

“I love your story…”
“Your story is so encouraging…”
“Your story inspires me…”

It is not a story that I would’ve written myself.  Of course, I would’ve liked to have certain things come out differently.  My mother would still be with me or maybe I would’ve been financially stable a long time ago.  But what I have realized along the way is that although I am not writing the story, it is being written for a reason.  And that reason is far greater than I will probably ever realize.

What may seem from the inside as nothing but pain, grief, illness or depression may be the answer to someone else’s question or the light to guide their way.  The manner in which you get through a hardship or time of major change may serve as an example for others later who are dealing with the same thing.

You may simply be going through your daily life, surviving the best that you know how, but God can take that and turn it into something greater.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

I did not set out to inspire others with my life.  But through the transition… as God has given me my story… it has become abundantly clear that He is using me to teach others through my experiences.  Just as they teach me through theirs.

Don’t be afraid of your story.  Don’t be scared when periods of change and transition occur in your life.  You may not always know what is waiting on the other side of it, but you can be sure of two things:

God is with you every step of the way.

and

He will use your story for good.