Double for the Trouble: How to Handle Challenges and Turn Them into Opportunities

It seems like we're going through a time of swift changes. At church, we received a series of blessings two weeks ago, and I was surprised by a financial gift from two friends that helped me cover some expenses I couldn't handle for months. I felt truly blessed.

Earlier this week, after a church event, a swift change took place. I parked my car and walked towards my apartment. I softly started singing Tim Godfrey's song, "But I want you to know that regardless of what the enemy meant for evil, God is turning it around for good." It was unusual prompting since I experienced a week of many blessings. What could possibly go wrong?

As I was unlocking my apartment, the lock came loose, and I wondered if I had accidentally broken it. Upon closer inspection, I realized someone else had broken the lock and left it in a way that wasn't noticeable from the outside. This occurred during daylight, within a few hours while I was away. Entering the apartment, my only concern was how much had been stolen.

I understood why my heart felt compelled to sing “God is turning it around for good…”. The Holy Spirit was readying my heart for unexpected stress. Home should be a sanctuary of safety and relaxation, akin to a heaven, yet my home was broken into and robbed while I was away.

I felt an unusual peace in a difficult moment. I quickly looked around and realized that although the laptop, watch, and some sentimental valuables were gone, the main stash of cash (rent and bills for two months and some other allocated funds) was still in place. Although robbed, I was relieved. I was grateful that I was not robbed even more. 

I did not know how, but I knew God would turn this situation around for my good. It happened to me in the past (not the robbery, but some other stressful events) that ended up as a blessing not just for me, but for the church as well, eventually. I was sure it would repeat this time again. 

Nonetheless, I wasn't ready for the emotional strain that followed. While I managed to release some tension by crying, I began experiencing shortness of breath whenever I spoke or thought about the stressful incident. I suppose it takes time for the body to align with the mind's reasoning.

As we conclude a week of gratitude as a church, I feel hopeful and thankful. Reflecting on 2024, we have encountered numerous waves of grace, both collectively as a church and individually. Although we faced many challenges, they served as obstacles that aided our growth. 

After an extremely stressful week, I feel blessed. I can genuinely say that God has blessed me through friends, providing me with "double blessing for the trouble." As I was reading an email from a friend who mentioned sending a gift to cover my loss, another friend simultaneously sent a message saying she had also sent me a gift. It's important to note that this double blessing arrived after a long period of financial difficulties. Wow! Talk about swift changes in a short period of time!

I don’t know what your recent losses are, but I pray that you experience the same double blessing. May you receive double blessings for the troubles you are going through at this time!

Wishing you too a double portion of blessings this Thanksgiving!

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28