Tragedy begins with a moment, then evolves into a season that does not end as quickly as it began. In my life, tragedy brought brokenness, but it was in that brokenness that His love transformed what I thought it “should be” into what it “could be.”

We had been married a little over a year. My husband had expressed some questions that he had about God a few months earlier, but I swept them under the rug because I told myself he would figure it out.

…He did not come to the conclusions I expected.

As a result, my first season of tragedy began when he came home from class one day and told me he no longer believed in God and didn’t want to be married. Through my heartbreak, I quickly turned outward and placed all the blame on him and God. Though I trusted my life was safe in God’s hands, I was also angry with Him. I didn’t want to walk through the embarrassment and pain of divorce. Each day, I bounced between complete trust and shame-filled fear.

Choosing Him over my confusion was difficult. A daily walk in which I stumbled often. But by dwelling on His Word and the prayers of trusted loved ones, healing slowly came. He did not give me the outcome I wanted, but He also knew what “could be” when I didn’t. A year and a half later, while working at Starbucks, I served a guy coffee that would become my husband. Thirteen years later, we are still happily married and have been blessed with three beautiful daughters.

I never could have imagined this story. It hasn’t been without its share of other tragedies, but that first season of lament laid the foundation of faith I needed. When I allow Him to remind me of His faithfulness–ignoring what my circumstances or toxic fear may be telling me–that’s when I find true hope.

Dear reader, be encouraged. Bring to Him all that you think “should be” and allow Him to show you what “could be.” It will be better than you can imagine.

Contributed by: Emily
 

Scripture:

Isaiah 43:19 NLT

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”

Reflection:

1. On day 16, we invited God into the many “what could have been” moments surrounding our grief. Today, consider what could be if you fully trusted Him with your present circumstances. How might He reshape your story in ways beyond what you can imagine?
    
2. What parts of your life might you need to release in order to fully embrace the future God has planned for you?
    
3. What steps can you take today to align your heart with the hope He offers, even if the outcome isn’t clear yet?
    

Imaginative Prayer Practice:
(Optional ~10 min)

1. Find your space: Find a quiet, comfortable place where you can settle in and focus without interruptions.
    
2. Center yourself: Take a few deep breaths, letting each exhale release tension. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and reflections during this time.
    
3. Read and reflect: Slowly and carefully read Isaiah 43:19. Pay close attention to the imagery of “wilderness” and “wasteland.” What do you see, hear, and smell?
    
4. Visualize renewal: Picture something new arising in this barren landscape–perhaps a vibrant flower, a gentle stream, or a winding pathway. Imagine how this transformation alters the environment around it.
    
5. Identify your wilderness: Think about the areas in your life where you currently feel stuck or are experiencing a “wilderness” season. Ask yourself, “What does this ‘new thing’ represent for me?”
    
6. Listen for God’s invitation: Reflect on what God may be inviting you to see, anticipate, or embrace in your life. Allow space for His whispers of hope and renewal to fill your heart.