"Nothing Wasted"

“Nothing Wasted”

 

A well-known politician once told his colleagues, “Never let a crisis go to waste.” It seems he saw difficult and even tragic circumstances as a means to further his agenda. Apparently leaders of all stripes have taken this advice as the news is filled with examples of this phenomenon almost on a daily basis. How can those impacted by painful events not feel used rather than supported?

Pastor Rick Warren once observed, “God never wastes a hurt.” By this he means that God has a purpose for every event in our lives, even (maybe especially) the ones we see as disastrous. Are they good in themselves? Probably not. But can they produce good for and through us? Absolutely (“…We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him….”—Romans 8:28). One way in which this can be manifested is described in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: “…The God of all comfort…comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” Karen and I have seen God use some of our struggles over the years to encourage others as well as teach us—we thank Him they haven’t been wasted.

In John 6 we read of Jesus’ miracle of feeding the 5000. But we sometimes overlook His command to His disciples in Verse 12: “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” (Emphasis added.) Paul reminds his readers to “…Make the most of every opportunity.” (Colossians 4:5—“Redeeming the time.” in the KJV). So it’s God’s desire that we utilize every resource He’s entrusted to us (experiences, material assets, and time to name some) to fulfill His purposes for our lives. Remember, nothing is ours—it’s all His (“Every good and perfect gift is from above….”—James 1:17) and He expects us to use it all well (‘…It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”—1 Corinthians 4:2).

Let’s remember our responsibility to “Let nothing be wasted.” and trust God to make it true in our lives and service.

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan