Don’t become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants—what is good, pleasing, and perfect.
Romans 12:2
Never say no to a gift from God, even if on the surface it looks like more of a curse than a gift. From your human perspective it might just look a lot different than it does from heaven. Think about the most evil thing that has ever happened in the world: the crucifixion of Jesus. It was horrific. And the people who watched it all happen could see absolutely no good in it as they watched it unfold. But they didn’t have the perspective that we have now or that they would soon have when they would see him again. Now we all can look on that horrific event with thanks. For us it’s the most important thing that ever happened—still horrific, but so important.
God can use anything that has happened to you for good. He promises it (see Rom. 8:28). If you have something in your life that is horrible, something that has happened to you that you can’t seem to get over or find any redemption in, don’t ask “Why me?” Ask “What glory now?” Trust that God will lift you out of the ashes of destruction to glory. Trust that he’ll never fail you and that what he wants is perfect (see Rom. 12:2). Everything that happens in your life can either improve when you trust God with it or destroy you; it’s your choice. Let God be God and let your circumstances be the force that turns dirt into pearls. It takes pressure and time to make gems and fire to purify gold and silver, and so it goes with character (see Mal. 3:2–3). Don’t resent the hard times, but thank God for purifying you and giving you an opportunity to die to yourself and to live for him (see 2 Cor. 5:14–15).