Hidden power of conflict

The Usefulness of Negative Experiences

“God will not waste even the paths that failed to lead us out of the woods.”

As followers of Christ, we desire peace because our God is the God of Peace. Yet Scripture shows us that peace does not mean passivity in the presence of evil nor the lack of conflict.

Romans 16:20 reminds us:

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”

Peace is not weakness. Peace is strength rooted in righteousness. Peace is a warfare substance—a necessary component when we go through negative experiences.  It is this peace which enables us to crush Satan under our feet.

The righteous person, a person of peace, does not compromise what is right when enduring a negative experience even in hardship, injustice, or suffering. Throughout Scripture and history, many faithful believers endured trials yet refused to abandon righteousness and remained in peace.

The Bible contains many accounts of war, struggle, and painful experiences. These stories are not meant to celebrate violence but to teach us wisdom and the conquering power of God’s peace.

Even negative experiences can become powerful lessons.

A Story

A man wandered lost in a forest for days. Eventually he met an unkempt man who appeared to live there.

“Can you show me the way out?” he asked.

The man replied, “I am lost as well. I’ve been wandering here for ten years.”

Disappointed, the traveler began to walk away. “Thank you,” he said, “but you cannot help me.”

But the man shouted after him:

“On the contrary! I can show you hundreds of paths that do not lead out of the woods.”

Negative experiences can have great value. They show us what does not work. They warn us where not to go.  Even failure can still point us toward truth.  God will even use our mistakes, our conflicts, to become someone else’s wisdom.

Seek  Jesus—the Prince of Peace and the God of Peace—He will lead you on the right path.