Waiting

Have you ever noticed... just about every miracle written about in the scriptures began first with someone facing a tragedy? Most poignant of which was our Savior facing the tragedy of the cross, followed by the miracle of the empty tomb. So, the message to each of us is… Don’t give up on your miracle… God does His best work after the storm.

It took 15 years, after I almost killed myself because of the shame I felt for the years of sexual abuse I experienced as a child, before my miracle happened. Don’t get me wrong, I had many amazing experiences in those years that I am so grateful for… but I also faced many dark nights upon a tear-soaked pillow. I loss track of how many times I stared into the black abyss wishing for the end to my tortured existence. I felt totally broken, completely alone, and utterly exhausted. Each day was a battle to just get up. But just as sure as each day ends in darkness, every morning dawns with light.

Today I can testify with assurance that the hardest moments in life often do in fact turn out to be the start of our greatest blessings. Indeed, out of difficulties grow miracles. I know this doesn’t make this moment easier, but I hope it makes it bearable. Your miracle is waiting… and I’ll wait with you until it comes. You are not alone. Hold on. Hope on. You are stronger than you think and, with the Savior as your guide, your future is brighter than you can possibly imagine!

Patrick Risk