My life is just like any other. I've had joyous moments that have left me stupidly grinning from ear to ear, too giddy to get a word out. Likewise I've suffered trials and tribulations that have left me crying so hard I could barely breathe. One thing I can say about the good, the bad, and those moments in between is I wouldn't dare change a thing about them.

Life is a series of spontaneous events. We never know what the next day brings and that terrifies each and every one of us. When moments happen that are amazing beyond belief, we tend to become elated and thankful for those momentary blessings in our lives. In that instance, we are always left feeling like the element of surprise is a positive thing. However, when we face moments of struggle and pain (including that of loss), we often find ourselves doubting not only ourselves, but those around us including God. It's hard to see any amount of good in the bad times just as it is difficult to see any bad when life is going according to plan or better than planned.

When I look back and see specifically the most painful moments, I can honestly say that regret is something I do not feel. I can't honestly say that I would go back and change the past no matter how much pain it has caused me. The reason for this lack of desire to change the bad moments into good ones is that I learned so much from the mistakes. When I dated the guys who broke my heart, I now can see that there were red flags in the relationships all along. However, had I listened to the red flags and not been so ignorant then I wouldn't have ever known the Lord was calling me to the ministry field and I wouldn't know what to avoid in the future. Likewise, if I hadn't gone to a middle school where I was bullied every single day then I likely wouldn't have the compassion for others that I gained from those painful circumstances.

No matter where your theological beliefs lie, the Bible is clear on the subject of predestination. Now, before you get all angry at my proposal, hear me out. Romans 8 is a clear reminder of how well God will sustain us through the most impossible of times. Romans 8:28-30 says, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified." Now, is it possible that God predestined us to face the hardships we face so that we may use our experiences to build others up? I think so. The body of Christ is one that mourns together, rejoices together, and builds one another up in the Spirit of God. Sometimes we have to face tribulation in order that we may encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ but also that we may be a physical representation of hope to those who aren't saved. People won't always listen to the gospel, but they will always listen to your testimony of faith. Seeing how you have come to know the Lord even in the middle of painful circumstances will provide the hope shown in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

With that being said, would you change the past if the chance were given to do so? I know I wouldn't. If I did, who even knows who I would be today? I wouldn't even want to know.