“What seems to us as as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.” ~Oscar Wilde, Irish poet & playwright
Blessings in disguise.
If only those blessings-to-be showed up in our lives as what they were going to ultimately be: blessings. But no. They stay hidden as we trudge through the darkness. The pain. The days where our our hope is nothing more than a piece of fraying rope.
I’ve wandered through those desert days, parched, believing I’d die of exhaustion — or more likely from lack of faith.
And I’ve come out on the other side. Not because I was so faithful but because the God I believe in promises to be faithful even when I’m not. (2 Timothy 2:13) God’s faithfulness: What a dipper-full of refreshing water to these thirsty lips! I came to the end of myself … and found healing.
Yes, the trial became a blessing. And I have the battle scars as a life-long reminder.
In Your Words: Do you have any blessings in disguise moments? I’d love to encourage each other midweek by sharing some of those.
Comments 40
Twenty-eight years ago when my pulse dropped to 24 for hours and then 16, I prayed for it to be “fixed”–but without surgery or batteries. I didn’t want to be a freak, a bionic woman. After successful pacemaker implantation, one Christian friend even asked me what I thought about this intervention, if it was God’s will for me to be alive. A staggering question, but I know the answer is yes. I am grateful for God-inspired gadgets and medical know-how. Personally, needing to receive care and have a few limits has also been good for my personality, so that test has produced many benefits.
Two reactions to your comment, Dee:
It stuns me, what some people say sometimes …
And I too and thankful for “God-inspired gadgets and medical know-how.”
And you.
Yes! Big time blessings in disguise. Where God closed doors I didn’t want closed at the time, only to guide me down a different hallway filled with blessings I never would have experienced if that first door never would have been closed! He is good that way. š
Yes, Katie. That no-turned-into-another/better-yes. We couldn’t see it at the time … I’m learning to trust God sooner in those moments.
Your post reminded me of the song by Laura Story, I needed that reminder. Much of my life has been a blessing in disguise. I have walked through abuse as a child and a near ruined marriage as an adult. Going through that was horrible. But my husband and I now look at each other and we both say we wouldn’t trade any of it because if where our marriage is now and more importantly, where our relationship with God is now. We cling to Genesis 50:20, What you intended to harm me, God intended for good that many lives could be saved.
Melissa,
Thank you for your honesty.
Clinging to God’s truth is sometimes what keeps me from falling when the rope seems all but frayed to bits.
And, yes, there is much to be thankful for when we come out on the other side of the trial.
I still have a hard time calling them blessings, though I’m sure that’s exactly what they are. I came through. Therefore, I am blessed.
~ Wendy
Wendy, I agree. There are some trials that still seem more “struggle” than “blessing.” Even on the other side — even when it’s over, the pain can still come up and nip at the tender core of my heart …
Once I was traveling from Mississippi to Georgia with a stop in Birmingham. The weather was storming, but not dangerously so. Now, being the directionally challenged person I am, I called ahead and got detailed directions to the business…only they were more directionally challenged than me. They sent me on a 30 minute shortcut, throwing me off schedule. Long and short of story: Had it not been for the delay, I would’ve been right in the path of a tornado that crossed the Interstate. So…I no longer rant and rave at delays.
The beauty of perspective, Pat.
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Beautiful post, Beth. There are many blessing-in-disguise moments in my life. I think the one that impacted me the most deeply was walking through the valley of infetility. God taught me so much about Himself. He instilled into the fabric of my being a deeper sense of empathy and compassion for others, and deepened who I am through the journey. He brought us out on the other side with two amazing children through adoption. Some of the biggest blessings in my life!
Having known you during that time, I saw your trust in God then — and know it was strong. And knowing you now, I see how faith and trust are deeply woven faith and trust into your life. You had choices to make along the way … and you always chose the ones that drew you closer to God.
Oh, my, yep. I only ever really dated three guys in my life (each was pretty serious), and I was never the dumper. The first two dumped me and I thought my world was shattered.
Little did I know Number 3 would come along…and be the best thing God ever gave me on this earth. Mike and I have been married 5 years. If those first two guys had never dumped me, I’d never have met and married my husband.
I’m nodding here, Lindsay.
Oh, how breaking off my first engagement was a blessing in disguise!!
I so relate to this. Yes, trials are a blessing in disguise. God loves to show Himself faithful. Thanks for your perspective. You matter to me. Love you, T
Thank you for stopping by, Tiffany. You have been one of those people in my life who often remind me that God is faithful.
Sometimes a ‘no’ is the biggest blessing in the world, even when it hurts. I had one of those moments last fall. I wanted something with all of my heart. I got ‘no.’ I learned a month or so later that ‘no’ was one of the best gifts in the world. A ‘yes’ would have brought a lot of heartache.
Ah, the “you have to wait for it” gift of perspective.
Yes, I’ve been through times like this and I’m sure I will again. It helps to remember that God will bring us through and maybe even up to somewhere wonderful if we’ll just keep following him. I like that even when we lose faith or get grumbly, He still ends up surprising us with a blessing.
During the trials, I often forget that God “is up to something.” Too often I think he’s doing just the opposite — nothing. Good reminders, Jessica.
Is it any wonder that I identify with Oscar Wilde? The man who wrote the hilarious play The Importance of Being Earnest and also produced the dark and thought-provoking novel The Picture of Dorian Gray would’ve made a fascinating dinner guest. Not to mention we could’ve talked boots and fashion if we ever got tired of literature. My point is, a guy who knew fame, inprisonment, exile, and destitution would surely identify with the modern writer’s struggle. I love this quote and find it all the more meaningful because it comes from a writer who truly experienced bitter trials.
E, I love what you have to say about this quote.
Actually, I think I should have let you write today’s post!
Oh, I disagree. You hit the nail on the head with this post. Pardon my cliche. And this subject requires someone with your grace and wisdom, not somebody like me who has a bitter ribbon in her gooey chocolate center.
E, do you want me to come over there and give you a good talkin’ to, girlfriend?
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No. I’m pretty sure I want you to come over here and give me a good candy bar! š
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Preferred brand?
You’ve clearly hit a resonant chord with this post, Beth. I wish I had read it before writing my own recent post about spiritual winter, because I would have included the wonderful quotation from Timothy.
I love when writers are on the same wavelength, Elizabeth, and dovetail into each others’ thoughts.
“Not because I was so faithful but because the God I believe in promises to be faithful even when Iām not.”
That. is. awesome. God is seriously…amazing.
Yes, yes, He is.
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“Like” you right back!
Some of the darkest times in my life have resulted in the greatest growth. Although living through the experiences was tough, I wouldn’t be who I am today without having endured them.
A most excellent point, Keli.
We wouldn’t be who we are without both the trials and the blessings …
I’ve been through too many touch times to mention, but has been faithful to walk with me through them all. Looking back I can see the lessons I learned, the strength I gained and the new perspectives I acquired. Trails are not fun, but they are not meant to be- they are seasons of growth.
Last Sunday my pastor encouraged the congregation by reminding us that when we are going through something, it is just that…going through it. It is not forever, we will go through it! I thought that was a really great way of putting it.
A good reminder, indeed, TC!
Oh yes. I think that it’s SO hard when you are in those dark places to think past it, to even see a glimmer of light through that pitch black sky, but I’ve been in that place enough times now to know that God will eventually shine that light, reach down His holy hand and pull me up out of there. And then in years to come I will remember, give thanks, and know that He will give me the strength to endure whatever may come. We are blessed. Even when we don’t feel it. Even when we don’t believe it. And even when we don’t want to be. Praise Him.
Thank you, Cathy, for joining the conversation.
Well said, dear friend.
Well said.
Oh, so many blessings in disguise. God has closed the door on dreams that would have stolen the life and family I longed for. I suppose I am most grateful for they way my first love shattered my heart. (Though it seemed like an unjustly unanswered prayer at the time.) God mended it back together stonger, more sensitive and aware. And had I not had the comparison, I might not realize just how blessed I am now. š It’s like that good ole country song says, “Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers.”
Yes– and sometimes I thank God for the answers I see — and the ones I don’t.
Probably same-same, yes?
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