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Nothing is Wasted

  • Sarah Damaska
  • October 26, 2022

Nothing in your life is wasted. Nothing.

Asaph cried in Psalm 73:26, “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever” (NLT).

When everything is stripped away, the cost of a prayer like Asaph prayed is high. And yet, even if our circumstances aren’t good, God’s purposes are. We must have the courage to never give up hope.

Why?

Divorce doesn’t have the final word.

Death doesn’t have the final word.

Violence, heartbreak, anger, and destruction don’t have the final word.

I don’t know the circumstance you’re burdened with today. You may be longing for a little relief from the work against unbelief. You may be begging God for a few details of how this story is going to end. You may not be able to see the way around or through. But rest assured, resurrection is coming. What you are facing today is not the end of the story.

Just because you don’t see Him at work doesn’t mean He isn’t working. Don’t give up. Keep hoping, keep praying, and keep watching.

Perhaps your next step is to simply repeat Asaph’s words from Psalm 73:26 out loud as a prayer. Believe them to be true, because they are! These ancient words are so very relevant for us today. Thousands of people have whispered them through the centuries.

Maybe today is the day your voice joins with theirs as you declare God as the strength of your heart, even if it seems like everything else is crumbling around you. May His love and presence surround you tenderly as you trust in Him.

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Sarah Damaska

Sarah Damaska lives in rural Michigan with her pastor-husband and three school-aged kids. Shaped by the death of her daughter Annie, she writes on her blog sarahdamaska.com about God’s invitation to live in the intersection of hope & sorrow. You can find her on Instagram and Facebook.

2 comments
  1. Nikki S. White says:
    October 26, 2022 at 4:50 am

    AMEN!!!!!!!! I have been so discouraged lately, Sarah. I have been repeating the mantra to God, “Lord, you know I hate to waste things…” What a timely answer He gave me through you.

    Thank you for this encouragement!
    xoxo

    Reply
    1. Sarah Damaska says:
      October 26, 2022 at 9:34 am

      The way God answers our prayers so specifically will always amaze me. I’m so grateful for His timing! The words were such a great reminder for me, too. He is the strength of our hearts!

      Reply

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