There Is Always a Purpose

If a prophet sent by God told you that whatever you’re going through would be used for a greater purpose, I’d bet you a million dollars you’d leave the conversation mid-sentence. Not only would you leave the conversation, but you’d wonder, Is this really happening?  You’d think to yourself, This person is crazy. Whatever angel dust they are smoking, it sure must be good.

All of us will have the opportunity, unfortunately, to experience pain so great that we either question God or we ask God, “Why me?” “Why this? Why now? Are you serious, God? Is this really happening to me?”

If you are currently in a state of such crisis, I don’t know what events led up to it. But I can tell you one thing: God knew all that would transpire in order for you to get where you are.

You are here. And however painful “here” is, I exhort you: don’t give up on God.

Despite the questions that may plague your heart and mind keeping you up at night, I can tell you that you are pained for a purpose. Not only that, but you are pained for his purpose. You might not understand right now. You may not even want to understand. In due season, though, you will understand. And as your heart settles like the dust after a windstorm, if you listen, you may hear the still, small voice of the Lord telling you that everything will be all right.

As we read the Bible, we cheer on the children of God who have gone through great tribulations, yet when find ourselves in the middle of similar challenges, we forget how to cheer for ourselves. We forget how to sing.  We forget how to worship. We forget how to dance as David danced. We forget a lot of things, but we don’t forget how to sit in despair. It’s OK if you cannot cheer for yourself right now, though; even David, after his greatest loss, eventually encouraged himself in the Lord.

When we are in the midst of pain, we may not be able to see the plan God has for us. Pain can make our vision foggy. When our hearts are just trying to survive, we may feel like we are failing forward. Even when we are trying to move forward, we may wonder, Is this even worth it? What will this accomplish?

The Bible speaks of God working everything out for our good. Not his good but our good:

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. (Rom. 8: 28 NIV).

When I read this passage of Scripture, I think of the part that says, “Those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” As you walk in the purpose that God has for you, whenever you stumble, God will pick you back up. At times, your pain may even lead you to your purpose. I find that God is most reachable when we are at our most vulnerable.

So let the tears roll down your face. Let your heart feel every emotion. Take it all in. Cry out to God. Write it all down. Compose a song about it. Paint it onto canvas. Go for a walk or a run. God will be right there cheering you on, as a Father should, telling you not to give up because what he has for you is always worth it.

Ebony H. Brooks is an author, writer, and businesswoman who was born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. and currently resides in North Carolina. She has written three books: Failing Forward into God’s Purpose, What’s Your Fish?: The Story of Jonah, and It Is Time. Her podcast Let’s Talk: The Journey to Moving Forward is in its third season and can be heard wherever podcasts are available. She encourages others in the Word of the Lord on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Photograph © Ifrah Akhter, used with permission