{"id":56,"date":"2015-04-27T21:02:10","date_gmt":"2015-04-27T21:02:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/simplyfabulous\/?p=56"},"modified":"2015-04-27T21:02:10","modified_gmt":"2015-04-27T21:02:10","slug":"ch-ch-changes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/simplyfabulous\/2015\/04\/ch-ch-changes.html","title":{"rendered":"Ch-ch-changes…"},"content":{"rendered":"

Yesterday, the pastor at my church preached a message about transitions. \u00a0Among the many useful things he said, one in particular stood out to me. \u00a0That when you’re going through a major change or transition in your life – that is most likely when you are\u00a0getting your story.<\/em><\/p>\n

Having recently been through a pretty substantial state of transition (that is still ongoing)… I obviously could relate to this message. \u00a0Not 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! \u00a0It’s been a lot of changes at once but you know what I’ve heard repeatedly from others along the way?<\/p>\n

“I love your story…”
\n“Your story is so encouraging…”
\n“Your story inspires me…”<\/em><\/p>\n

It is not a story that I would’ve written myself. \u00a0Of course, I would’ve liked to have certain things come out differently. \u00a0My mother would still be with me or maybe I would’ve been financially stable a long time ago. \u00a0But what I have realized along the way is that although I am not writing the story, it is being written for a reason. \u00a0And that reason is far greater than I will probably ever realize.<\/p>\n

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. \u00a0The 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

“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.”
\n<\/em>– Romans 8:28<\/em><\/p>\n

I did not set out to inspire others with my life. \u00a0But through the transition… as God has\u00a0given me my story…<\/em> it has become abundantly clear that He is using me to teach others through my experiences. \u00a0Just as they teach me through theirs.<\/p>\n

Don’t be afraid of your story. \u00a0Don’t be scared when periods of change and transition occur in your life. \u00a0You may not always know what is waiting on the other side of it, but you can be sure of two things:<\/p>\n

God is with you every step of the way.<\/p>\n

and<\/p>\n

He will use your story for good.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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