Grief Bites: Finding Treasure In HardshipsSample

Kelli* has a unique grief story. As a child, her dad was hit by a drunk driver and was instantly killed. She has lost all of her grandparents, two uncles and an aunt...and she has experienced the deaths of two fiancés. One of her fiancés died just one month before her sister suddenly died. Kelli was also wrongly laid off at work...but God redeemed that situation powerfully. She now is in the top of her field and that blessing never would have come to fruition had she not been wrongly laid off...and had she not handled the situation in a Christ-like manner. Kelli greatly inspires me because, by all means, Kelli has every human right to be mad at God. But she isn't. In fact, Kelli will be the first to tell you that she counts grief and loss as some of her greatest treasures. She has said many times, "The treasures I've learned through loss are not something I can go out and buy at Walmart!" What are these "treasures" Kelli speaks of? Each person who goes through loss will receive little "gifts of love" from God. Her gifts from God have been: • a closer relationship to God • a closer relationship with her family • the ability to live life more fully • the ability to experience hope and faith • stronger non-negotiable convictions Definitely, these gifts cannot be bought at any store. These are gifts that were bought with many tears, struggles, and sleepless nights...and surrendering to God. Kelli shared with me that she learned to trust...and praise God...through her storms in life. She felt God's presence as if He was holding her right hand the entire time. What situation or heartache does God want you to surrender to Him today? Seek His heart and give Him the gift of surrendering your entire being to Him. In return, He will be faithful to guide your life and give you precious "little gifts of love" from Him.