Being Positively Transformed by Life Experiences
Life experiences combined can be wonderful and brutal at the same time. As long as we are alive, we ought to act and navigate our paths and destinations through them wisely and safely. Depending on the life experiences, some of us grow healthily, wealthily, and maturely by effectively processing them while others can grow bitter, broke, prideful, and hateful by habitually dwelling in or meditating upon the negative effects of some. Ultimately, the choice is up to each of us to decide what we will do with all experiences. It is a noble and virtuous thing when we can use and allow all of our experiences to positively transform us to a state of radiance whereby others can see our victories and be inspired. But, contrarily, those who have done the opposite, have often time proven to have wasted a lot of time and energy dwelling in a daunting cycle of confusion, regrets, anger, jealousy, hate, unforgiveness, and hopelessness, etc.
​To prevent and to guide us away from this battle of hopeless self demise, and from becoming a burden to others, God has set forth principles in the Bible with proven and effective standards for us to follow. Nevertheless, because of our sinful nature, it is expected that we cannot escape all negative experiences. What matters most is that when they are encountered, we can get up, dust ourselves off, gain strength, and move on to making better choices and decisions for our lives. Ephesians 5:15-17 tells us to ” 15 Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” These scripture verses encourage us to know the will of God and to not be foolish. It is in knowing the will of God that we can avoid and prevent many unnecessary negative experiences, or when these experiences do happen, we can deflect and use them for our betterment. Now, how can we know God’s will? We can know God’s will by reading his word and seeking him in prayer daily.
My final thoughts on this subject is for us all to try and be the best that we can be through all of life’s experiences. Let us aspire to be more like Jesus everyday. We ought not to forget what he has done for us and therefore show him gratitude by doing the good deeds that he has taught us onto others. We are also asked to love one another and to live in peace and harmony with each other. No matter what experiences we encounter, we should always remember that Jesus had it worse than us, yet he loves us and takes care of us everyday. Our minds should stay fixated on him continuously. He said in his word that he will keep us in perfect peace, whose minds are stayed on him – Isaiah 26:3. Be and stay blessed!
Written By: Iodelle A. Chinnery