This past weekend, I ended up rather spontaneously visiting a friend that I’ve known since my freshman year in college.  We had tentatively talked about me coming there or vice versa, but then it sort of fell by the wayside.  On a whim, a few days beforehand, I asked if I should still come and she said yes, so off I went!

Little did I know that God was orchestrating the whole thing.

In my past, I have dealt with being in an abusive relationship.  In fact, all total, the whole thing for me dragged out for almost 4 years.  But thankfully now, having been through that experience, I am able to recognize the “red flags” much more easily and quickly.

Such was the case when I met my friend’s boyfriend a couple months ago.

I saw all the signs – the moodiness, the possessiveness, the jealousy, the violent tendencies, the false bravado, the irresponsibility.  It’s kind of crazy actually when you educate yourself on the traits of an abuser, just how accurate they are every single time.

So I knew that this wasn’t a good situation for my friend, but just like me when I was in it, it was hard to get through to her.  I said what I could, but ultimately had to just wait and pray for her.  Thankfully, she broke up with him a few weeks ago, so I was relieved and excited to see her single again.  Although I must admit, I also knew from experience, that chances were the break wasn’t a clean one.

I was right… they had seen each other a few more times since then and I could tell she was wavering about whether or not to take him back.  Again, no surprise, I’d been there.  But the way the weekend ended up playing out, was actually pretty amazing.

Yes, he did what I was afraid of and continued to “stalk” her by cell phone, house phone, showing up at her house unannounced and even showing up at the restaurant we were at, getting thrown out and returning at least 5 times.  But the good part of it was, that I was able to use my experience to help her.

I knew every thing he was going to do before he did it.

I knew what it all meant in the long run.

I knew what to say to her and what to tell her to expect.

And I could understand everything she was going through and thinking – good or bad.

Hopefully he will be out of the picture now for her for good.  But regardless, I will be there for her because I understand what it’s like to be in her situation.  I know what it’s like to love someone and hate them at the same time.

And I am still literally amazed that God can use your experiences for good at just the right time.  I had no idea any of that would happen when I went off for a quick getaway.  But I am so glad that God used me to help my friend and made my own experience have greater worth.

Never underestimate the good that can come out of the storms in your life.

Even if you can’t see it at the time, God can.

He’s pretty cool like that.