Experience

Today, I want to talk about something we all have in common, no matter what our background, age, or where we are in life—experience. It’s one of those things we can’t avoid, and whether it’s good or bad, experience shapes who we are. Our life stories are built on experiences, but the question is: What do we do with them?

In Romans 5:3-4, it says, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” This scripture reminds us that even our hardest experiences serve a purpose. They build us, teach us, and strengthen our faith.

There’s a quote by Aldous Huxley that says, “Experience is not what happens to you; it’s what you do with what happens to you.” That’s a good thought, right? Life throws a lot at us and some things we expect, and others we don’t. The important thing is how we learn, grow, and change from those experiences.

Think about a time in your life when you went through something tough—maybe it was a challenge at work, a relationship, or a personal struggle. In the moment, it probably felt overwhelming, but looking back, you can see how God used that experience to shape you.

I’ll share one…It was a personal struggle. I was in college and my friend, and I got in an argument that seemed to be a long time coming but neither of us were dealing with it, so it just grew and grew until it exploded. Necessary and hard things were said and from that it was time for me to turn to God ask a lot of why questions in order to heal, change and grow from things that I didn’t know were needed. This is one experience I will never forget. I will never forget laying one my dorm room floor face down crying out to God. It was a tough season but necessary to learn and grow from.

James 1:2-4 encourages us with this: “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” Isn’t that amazing? Our experiences, especially the hard ones, are opportunities for growth.

Next time you’re going through a difficult situation, remember that God is with you, and He’s using that experience to strengthen you. There’s purpose in everything, even when it’s hard to see.

We’ve talked a lot about tough experiences, but what about the positive ones? Those moments when everything seems to fall into place, and you feel God’s blessings in every part of your life. It’s important to acknowledge and appreciate those experiences too because they’re gifts from God.

Just over a year and half ago it was time for me to go back to work again and just happened to be getting ready to have lunch with an old colleague and she told me that they were looking to hire someone for a certain position. I said, “Well I might be interested”. I came home and talked with my husband and then set up the interview. They re-hired me, and it worked out perfectly for the time that was needed. God laid it all out and it was perfect because His timing is perfect.

Psalm 103:2 says, “Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.” That’s such a great reminder to not let those joyful moments slip by without recognizing where they come from.

When we’re grateful for our good experiences, it reminds us of God’s faithfulness and provision. It helps us build a foundation of trust, knowing that He’s been with us in the good times, and He’ll be with us in the hard times too.

Sometimes we look back at our past and wish we’d done things differently, but those experiences, even the mistakes, are part of what shapes our wisdom. God doesn’t waste anything! He uses our past experiences to prepare us for the future.

As we go through life, every experience teaches us something new. Proverbs 4:7 says, “Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.” Wisdom is something we gain from the things we’ve walked through, and it helps guide us in the future.

One thing I always think about it where I might have ended up if…. But thank God and His hand on my life that I didn’t end up where I could have. I will gladly take the mistakes and be thankful for how I got to where I am. It was through all that that God showed and taught me so much.

If you’re feeling unsure or facing a new challenge, trust that your past experiences have equipped you for what’s ahead. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, remember that God gives wisdom generously to those who ask.

As we wrap up today’s show, I just want to encourage you to reflect on your experiences—both the joyful and the difficult. All of them are part of the story God is writing in your life. Whether you’re in a season of struggle or celebration, God is using your experience to draw you closer to Him and grow your character.

Let’s close with Psalm 37:23-24: “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” I love that verse because it reminds us that God is with us in every part of our experience, guiding and holding us through it all.