It hurts to be hurt—repeatedly! But consider this: “When people hurt you over and over, think of them like sand paper. They may scratch and hurt you a bit, but in the end, you end up polished and they end up useless” (Chris Colfer, actor).
Incredible though it may seem, God often employs the hurtful actions of people to bless us! He uses them like abrasive or coarse “sand paper,” to polish or “smooth off the rough spots” in our lives. Think of the envy & betrayal of Joseph’s brothers, the lies & slander of Potiphar’s wife, and the forgetfulness of the chief-cupbearer. Amazingly, God used these hurtful actions to prepare and promote Joseph to become prime minister (Genesis 39-41)!
Are you wondering about the prickly, mean, and vicious people who keep showing up in your life? They’re providential sand papers. Be polished by them! God uses even the worst people to bring out the best in us. Shine through your hurts!—Samuel Koranteng-Pipim
© Samuel Koranteng-Pipim: Permission is granted to share thought nuggets from this website provided they are reproduced in full and are for non-commercial use only. Pertinent quotes can also be excerpted from the nuggets and shared with others. Users of both nuggets and/or quotes must acknowledge Samuel Koranteng-Pipim as the author and give the appropriate EAGLESonline link as the source.
SAMUEL KORANTENG-PIPIM,PH.D. , is a US-based Ghanaian author, inspirational speaker, leadership trainer, and an advocate for youth empowerment. He was trained in engineering and systematic theology, and has authored more than twenty books. They include his bestselling works Hope Through the Dark, Six More Chances, Healed Wounds but Ugly Scars, and Patience in the Midst of Trials and Afflictions. Dr. Pipim currently directs two Centers for Leadership Development known as EAGLES (Empowerment & Advisory Group for Leadership, Excellence, & Service) and ANANSE (African Network & Advisory for Needed Services & Excellence). www.EAGLESonline.org. He also serves as a special consultant on Bible projects for Remnant Publications. 