Principal's Ponderings

Finding Purpose When Shaken 

Last week I had the privilege of attending a one day conference and I found myself seated next to a fellow delegate who I had never met before. I thought we would probably exchange pleasantries, maybe a quick discussion about the weather or the sessions we had just attended, little did I know that God had other plans. 

As we began to talk, in discussion times, this person started to share their journey, one filled with immense tragedy and trauma, trials that could leave anyone shaken. But what struck me was the grace and poise with which they spoke, a deep-rooted strength and faith in Jesus that radiated through every word. Honestly, I was blown away, truly humbled to witness such unwavering trust at one's first meeting. It led me to reflect on Romans 8:28, where Paul reminds us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

This verse often stirs something profound within us, especially in moments where life feels anything but good. It is one thing to read these words and quite another to encounter someone who is living them. That is where this delegate’s story spoke volumes. It reminded me that God does not promise us a life free from pain or difficulties. What He does promise is that He will weave even our most difficult experiences into a tapestry of good, shaping us for the purpose He has for us.

Craig Groeschel, a pastor and Christian leader, often speaks about how God can use our most challenging seasons to bring about growth and purpose. Just as I saw in the life of my fellow delegate, Groeschel would say that when we embrace God’s sovereignty, even in our suffering, we allow God to shape our character and strengthen our faith, to be unshakeable. This trust is not blind but rather a confident belief that God is working behind the scenes, even when life does not make sense to us.

Similarly, John Maxwell teaches about “failing forward”, the idea that God does not waste any part of our story. When we experience hardship, He can use those moments to build resilience and even prepare us for something greater. Maxwell might say that Romans 8:28 calls us to look for how God is growing us through every challenge, and that is a perspective that leads us to a deeper purpose.

Another Christian author, Karl Faase encourages us to allow life’s struggles to be opportunities to show God’s love and power to others. Watching someone walk through suffering with faith can be a profound testimony to those around them, inspiring and strengthening their community. This is exactly what I saw in my conference friend's journey, they became a living witness of hope, inspiring those around them with their faith.

When I reflect on times of difficulty or suffering I am often reminded that God’s promises are not about a life free of pain but about His presence being with us in the midst of it. Romans 8:28 assures us that God is faithful, that He WILL be with us through each storm, shaping us for His purposes. As I listened to the story of resilience and hope, I realised that this kind of faith in God’s goodness, even amid hardship, is what brings light into our darkest hours.

So today DCS Community, I encourage you to hold onto Romans 8:28. Let it be a reminder that God is at work in every detail of our lives, no matter how challenging. May we trust Him completely and allow His goodness to shine through us, even in our most difficult moments, we can be rocked and yet still unshakeable.

Shalom, shalom.

Chad Smit | Principal