How to Turn Tragedies Into Opportunities

Do you wonder how to turn tragedies into opportunities? Is this possible and how can we do this?

Nobody wants to experience tragedies and suffering. We hear about tragedies; we read about tragic events, but we also push away the reality that tragedies may come into our lives, too.

Here is a sneak peek of my guest post for ButterflyLiving where I share how we can turn tragedies into opportunities for growth and serving when we draw near to God.

Remember to pin me for later!

What is a Tragedy?

What is a tragedy? The Dictionary defines tragedy as: “an event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress, such as a serious accident, crime, or natural catastrophe.”

The Cambridge Dictionary defines tragedy as “a very sad event or situation, especially one involving death or suffering.”

Tragedies bring intense suffering, pain, grief, sadness, and loss of things and people we cherish.

They often raise a lot of questions and doubts about the meaning of suffering and God’s justice and love. Such tragic events pierce to the core of our souls and shake our faith and trust in God.

Of course, nobody wants this package. I didn’t want it either. I’ve always thought such things happen to other people, not to me, and not to my family.

Why should God allow me to go through immense losses and intense suffering? What did I do wrong?

It seemed the more I grew in my devotion to God, the more I followed Him and committed to His ways, the harder my life became. Did you experience this, too?

Tragedies in My Life

The first tragedy we experienced in my family was my father’s massive stroke, leaving him paralyzed and bedridden for nearly 16 years, and turning my mother into his main care-giver. This disrupted our family and placed on us an enormous burden to carry. I still remember the mixture of piercing sorrow, utter helplessness, and anger at seeing my father disintegrating, physically and mentally.

Another tragedy in my life was that I couldn’t become a mother despite years of fervent prayers, doctors’ appointments, medical procedures, and deep soul anguish that led to panic attacks and anxiety disorder. Nothing helped. God’s obvious answer was “No”.

And lastly, I faced my worst fear: a thought that I didn’t allow myself even to think. I faced the unexpected and premature death of my beloved husband, who was my best friend, my partner, and my closest person on this earth. My heart was ripped apart. I needed months, even years, to accept this new reality.

Why, God, why? What is the purpose and meaning of all this suffering?

Do you want to know what helped me turn these tragedies into opportunities and how God redeemed my suffering? Visit ButterflyLiving to read the rest and be strengthened and encouraged.

NEW BOOK for All Who Go Through Suffering and Pain

Do you want to draw near to God when you are tempted to pull away amidst painful and traumatic experiences? Do you long for the transformation of your painful story into a story of preparation, empowerment, fruitfulness, and growth?

My new book “DRAW NEAR: How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings” takes you on a journey through 13 painful experiences, showing the precious blessings in each of them.

More Encouragement for You

If you need more resources, encouragement, and comfort when you go through painful experiences, I can highly recommend these books. Check them out.

Life Changing Stories by Mary Armand (You can find my story here, too!)

Hope for the Hard Days by Sarah Geringer

The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope by Curt Thompson

Trusting God in All the Things: 90 Devotions for Finding Peace in Your Every Day by Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk

Make Up Your Mind: Unlock Your Thoughts, Transform Your Life by Denise Dubois Pass and Michelle Nietert

Life Can Be Good Again by Lisa Appelo

It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lisa Terkeurst

Hope When Life Unravels: Finding God When It Hurts by Adam Dooley

Restoration Year – a 365 Days Devotional by John Eldredge

All Things New by John Eldredge

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Your Turn

Are you going through a hard and painful situation right now? Share in the comments and on social media if you found this article helpful. Thank you!

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