God is good at bringing out the good in the bad - Daily Bible Reflections February 2,2016

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord   DON’T WASTE YOUR SUFFERING   Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested. – Hebrews 2:18          I used to be a gambling addict. I went to casinos and wasted all my money there. I even went to the extreme of pawning some of my stuff. It was tough. Not only was I penniless, my life was also heading for a wreck. But by God’s grace, He made a way to rescue me. I found myself back in His arms.        I thought that my gambling years were a complete waste of time, thinking that nothing good came out of it — until I started sharing my story.      Every time I share about my dark and painful past, people are touched. Some who struggle with addiction decide to change their lives and return to God’s embrace. Now I know why I had to go through it.       The world needs real people who will share real stories of overcoming failure and suffering. Because when we hear an average guy winning his own battles, we think, “If God did it for him, He can also do it for me.”        Have you failed in life? Have you suffered much?        Share it with another person.        Don’t waste your suffering. Velden Lim (veldenlim@gmail.com)   Reflection: God is good at bringing out the good in the bad.   Jesus, use my pain to lift someone up today.   St. Joan de Lestonnac, pray for us.