Expert by Default

I was spending some time this morning thinking about an unpleasant time in my life. You may be wondering why I did this. It is amazing the useful information we can gain from our past bad experiences. I am a firm believer in Romans 8:28 which 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." I truly believe that through my agony, God was working for my good even when it did not seem like it. I remember questioning the Lord about this as I was going through this very hard situation! In the end I chose to believe this verse despite my circumstances and today I live with the benefits of all the glorious things that came from that trauma!

Lately, I have felt the leading of the Lord to revisit this time in my life to help others who are going through similar experiences. As I delved into this experience once again in my memories, I felt the confidence of knowing what worked in this situation to cultivate my healing. It is amazing to me how close the Lord walked with me during this traumatic and emotionally painful time. It also is mind-boggling how clearly I remember the days! It seems like a supernatural preservation of experiences for such a time as this!

As I was thinking and writing about these things, I realize that I am an expert on this topic. Expert means "experienced." The definition included the phrase; "having, involving, or displaying a special skill or knowledge derived from training or experience." Well, it is true! I am an expert in an area of life that no one would want to be called an expert in. It is one of the last experiences I would have chosen to participate in on the earth! The truth is, I have a special skill and knowledge in this horrid area of life not by my choice but by my experience, which was completely out of my control. So I am an expert by default!

The good news is, God will use this special skill and knowledge to help others. Even though I was unwilling at first, now I have information to help some other people through similar traumas. It is the way our society works. We depend on expert opinion to make good choices and learn tools to take us to a healthier place. Alcoholics Anonymous was founded on expert opinion. Bill Wilson, who was one of the founders of AA in 1934, was an alcoholic. He ruined his promising career on Wall Street because of his alcoholism. He used what he learned as Jesus helped him get free to conquer alcoholism in his own life and help countless others get free from this debilitating bondage. I am sure when Bill Wilson was a young boy he did not wish to be an expert on alcoholism. I am quite sure it was not his mother's dream for him. But, regardless, it became his life work and still impacts multitudes of people today! Praise God for this helpful organization!

I am grateful to the Lord that He is leading me to use my "essentially unwanted" expert information to bless those in His kingdom. He has healed my wounds of shame, hurt, and anger so that I can freely share this information with people who need help through my experience! Are there any areas where you are an "expert by default?" Ask the Lord to prove Romans 8:28 in your life! He wants to use all things!