It's Not Supposed to Be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered

by Lysa TerKeurst

What if the worst parts of your life are actually gateways to the very best parts you’d never want to do without? REMEMBER: • Sometimes hardship happens not because of what you’ve done but because of something God is doing. • When you are chosen for suffering, you are chosen for the blessing of displaying the works of God. • God isn’t causing this pain and suffering—He’s allowing it. • Sin entangles and strangles our ability to run this race of life well. • My deepest desperation can lead to a great revelation from God. • God will use suffering to shape us, mold us, and make us even better prepared for our purpose. • When we are afflicted, we are being made more effective! • In the end, not only will our suffering produce perseverance—endurance for our race—but it will bring forth hope. RECEIVE: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1–2) Also read: Psalm 51:1–15 John 9:1–7, 35–38 Romans 5:1–4 REFLECT: • What heavy weights are hindering you and need to be thrown off? (Hebrews 12:1) • What sins are easily entangling you? (He...