There are things in my life that I had once that I don’t have anymore. There are relationships that were once a big deal to me that were taken from me and are gone now. There are times when the pain of what I lost is very heavy…

And there are times when I realize that the fact that I feel pain means I once had something good. I look back on the things I used to have, and I realize I have memories because life used to be different. I can smile at some of the things I used to do and the events I got to experience.

I look back on the life I’ve lived because of the relationships I used to have, and I know those relationships made me a better person. I grew up because of all I went through.

I’m grateful to God. He is working all things together for His good purposes (Romans 8:28). He gave me special moments with people before I lost those people. He used situations in my life to help me become who I am today. Jesus has been with me through it all, and He will continue to lead me. • Emily Acker

• Have you had things come up in your life that hurt you but led to growth?

• Read Hebrews 4:14-16 and 1 Peter 5:7. How might the promises in these verses make it easier for you to bring your hurts to God? Who are safe people—such as parents, counselors, teachers, friends, or youth leaders—you can go to when you are processing hard things?

• Read Romans 8 and Revelation 21:1-4. In light of God’s good plans for the future, what promises are included for the present? How can these plans and promises give us comfort when we face difficult times?

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)