We've all been there: those times in our lives where something happened that we didn't plan on. We sat waiting longer than we wanted to, got hurt when we never thought we would. In those moments as humans it's very easy to blame God. We usually get mad, stomp around, and pout a bit all the while uttering phrases equivalent to, "it's not fair," or "why me?" What's more is that God knew all of this would happen before the world was formed. He knew you would blame Him for something that may or may not have been self-inflicted. But even more than that, He knew that something good would come from it (Romans 8:28).

When is the last time that you thanked God for a weakness or unexpected situation rather than pouting about it? My guess is, if you're anything like me then that's not a natural instinct for you. But I've been learning (from hindsight) that weaknesses is often a catalyst to show how powerful God is. 

I was never good at science because science had math in it and I was even worse at math than I was at science. But I do remember learning in chemistry about catalysts. Usually a catalyst is "something that causes or initiates a chemical reaction without itself being affected" (I really love dictionary.com). I think this definition is so accurate and can be applied metaphorically to the way God works in our lives. Your situation is never permanent; it is designed to be something that initiates or starts a chemical reaction. If you've ever watched a chemical reaction it starts off small, it starts to bubble a little bit and then depending on the type of reaction can bubble over or perhaps even explode, and then it dies down back to normalcy. This is exactly how our tough situations work. They start small and start to bubble, then they finally get to the point where they explode. You get hurt by someone, something happens that really puts you in a tough place, but it never stops there. Some chemical reactions are designed to last longer than others depending on the two "chemicals" reacting with each other. God works in a similar way. Your situation isn't designed to make you miserable; it's created for a purpose*. Sometimes this means Him getting your attention, sometimes it's refinement, sometimes it's Him drawing Himself closer to you, sometimes it's a preparation, and sometimes it wasn't intended by God but through all of these different scenarios, our weakness is made strong and His glory shines through. 

I listened to a song the other day as I was perusing new (to me) worship music. It's by Elevation Worship and it's called "Great Things (Worth It All)". Here are some of the lyrics that really resonated with my spirit and corresponding scripture. Read through these and listen to the song. I'd challenge you as you're reading or listening to think of something you've struggled with or are currently struggling with. Humble yourself and thank God for that thing and ask Him to show you the blessing that came from it or that will come from it. 

"Thank You for the scars I bear

They declare that You are my healer

How could I have seen Your strength 

If You never showed me my weakness?"

"Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT)

*Some hardships such as abuse are not intended by God and are not self inflicted. This post is not at all referring to situations like that, and do not at all justify them. However, God's strength and glory can be reflected in the aftermath of those hardships as well as He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalms 34:18).