I never thought I’d be grateful

for all the waves

that crashed over me.

They seemed so harsh at the time –

relentless,

cruel …

but now I see how they shaped me –

smooth stone girl,

polished peace;

simple, pure, true…

Even in her wrath,

I think the ocean worked for God …

sanding me down

to the trace elements of my soul.

Is there a gentler way to let go

of everything less

than the radiant core

of who we’re created to be?

2 Corinthians 4:8-18 “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.”

If we can keep faith through trials, God uses them to strip away our egoic attachments and misperceptions about life, purifying our souls in the process. In Romans 8:28 we read, “All things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purposes.” Through faith, even our most painful experiences ultimately serve a purpose on our spiritual journey. God uses them to strengthen us and purify our intentions, so we can more accurately represent His loving presence in the world.

Lord, give us the grace to know You and cling to Your presence in our lives, even when we feel like we’re being crushed by the waves of injustice and suffering. Draw us closer to you through times of trial, and transform us to ever more closely resemble Your divine image on earth. 

Have you ever gone through a season of injustice or intense personal suffering? Did you grow in faith through that time? Comment below, and I’ll be delighted to keep you in my prayers.