When Your Childhood Was Far From Ideal

God is amazing in the way he’s worked in my life from the age of five when, I accepted him as my personal Lord and Savior.  During my childhood I faced many struggles with my family.  My father was ill with bipolar disorder, my mom and he fought constantly, and family life was so unstable.  God was looking out for me though through those times.  From the day I was born God introduced me to a Pastor and his Wife Berry and Nancy.  They have been a source of God’s shining light throughout my life.  There were so many times I could have walked away from God, but because of the example I had through them I held on to my faith in God.

"Suffering, though it’s unpleasant, brings each of us to a place of humility.  In my case I recall how broken I am.  How many things I do wrong."  

God does so many incredible things in people’s lives.  If people do not share these praises with others, how will they grow to know and love Christ in the same manner?  The struggles I faced with my family life allow me to be sympathetic toward others facing hardships of many kinds.  At times I’ve run into people who deal with the same struggles I do because of broken relationships in the family.  My understanding in these situations allows for a special bond that may not have formed otherwise.

Genesis 45: 7-9 particularly emphasizes God’s sovereignty.  Joseph suffered so much from a young age, but his suffering was not in vain.  Joseph was sold into captivity so that he could further God’s kingdom one day in the near future. If God had not allowed hard situations in Joseph’s life, Egypt would not have seen God’s light in the same manner that Joseph’s presence brought about.

Suffering, though it’s unpleasant, brings each of us to a place of humility.  In my case I recall how broken I am.  How many things I do wrong.  When I reflect on this, and the unmerited grace that Christ gave to me I can do nothing but show compassion.  So, in the midst of bitterness and anger I reflect on God’s love to me.  These thoughts lead to an attitude of love and compassion for others.

I see my relationship with God right now as constantly growing and changing.  As I have finishing graduate school, with my Masters in Education there are a lot of questions.  I know that even though I have many questions I must rely on my Savior for the answers.  He knows where I am to be next year and I choose to trust He will put me in the right place with all of the new changes.