Oops. I got distracted again, rushing over to the oven to abruptly pull out the bacon from the hot oven. Well, that’s a bit overdone, I thought to myself sarcastically as I looked at the bacon, carefully examining its char-like appearance completely burnt to a crisp.
I mean, I do like it crispy. I really do. But — this is what I would consider unusable. Who wants to eat bacon that is burnt to a crisp? (I know there are some of you out there!)
Should I toss it? Nah that would be a complete waste.
At that moment, I couldn’t think of what to do with this useless pile of burnt bacon.
I guess the bacon is wasted and so is my time.
I realized soon after that this unusual analogy provides insight into how God operates. Hang in there with me for a moment.
You see, all the messy, painful, damaged, and traumatic pasts – things we don’t wish to carry but we do – those things aren’t wasted at all with God. Not even the burnt bacon.
Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
God can use anything.
All things.
Not only the good stuff. The perfectly curated things posted on Instagram.
Things tied up into a pretty little bow.
Things like our achievements, rewards and successes.
All things.
The stuff that cripples us or brings us to our knees in pain or sorrow.
Experiences that we desperately are ashamed of. Experiences we have been traumatized by.
Things that have almost broken our weary spirit and trampled on our heart.
Things that cause us to question God and turn our back on our faith.
God can use anything.
My second pregnancy ended in miscarriage, which left a miscarriage left a heartbreaking wound that seemed beyond repair.
A wound so deep I questioned whether life would ever be good again.
In the midst of my brokenness, God gently whispered, “I’ll use this for good.” At first, I didn’t understand it nor was I ready for Him to use it at all. I needed to heal first and foremost.
Years later, an opportunity presented itself for my miscarriage story to be published in a book and the Holy Spirit nudged me again and again to seek this golden opportunity where God could use my heartbreak.
Let me tell you – I know this story has impacted those overwhelmed with grief, and the very words that God used to comfort me were paid forward to those walking in their own sea of grief or loss.
I’ve seen God’s goodness and resourcefulness in my own life and I’m holding onto this promise for you, my friend.
I’m aware that everything is not that cut and dry like that experience, but I’ve learned that God does what He says He’s going to do.
Rest in that promise. Let that be more than enough for you right now.
When He says He will bring beauty out of painful circumstances, He will.
When He says good will be brought out of your past, He will.
When He says your life will be redeemed if you seek Him, it will.
Our God is a faithful God. And He will prove that to us again and again throughout our lifetime. He never stops working on our behalf.
So whatever you’re facing that seems useless and you’re questioning whether it’s wasted, I want to assure you that nothing is wasted.
God doesn’t waste anything.
God can use anything for good.
He will use it for His glory.
I want to encourage you to keep persevering in prayer and obedience; I promise you will see God’s light overtake the darkness. Hang onto hope, believing that God is already moving and working to bring beauty out of pain.
It will be okay. Every little thing will be used, even the ‘burnt bacon’ of our lives. P.S.- I know I’m not the only one who consistently burns food around here.
