“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose”(Romans 8:28).
The Taj Mahal, a marble building complex commissioned to be built the Emperor Shah Jahan (1592— 1666) in Agra, India, is one of the most dazzling architectural masterpieces of all time. The most interesting thing about the history of this monument is e reason for its existence. The Taj Mahal was not erected to celebrate a victory but to commemorate the death of a loved one. This imposing work borne from pain has been beneficial to many generations.
During one of his walks in the city, Jahah, the crown prince, noticed a young woman in a bazaar touting silk and crystal jewelry. Her name was Mahai. After five years of blossoming love, Jahah and Mahal got married. Years later, they inherited the crown of the Mughal Empire. The couple had fourteen children but Mahal died while giving birth to their last child. The monarch was so broken-hearted by the loss of his beloved wife that he ordered two years of mourning in the kingdom. In the midst of his mourning, he decided to build a monument that would surpass the beauty of any other in the world. It took twenty-two years to build the Taj Mahal and twenty-two thousand workers to complete it. Since then, it has served as a wonder and an inspiration to millions of people throughout the centuries.
From the pain and bitterness of a man who lost his loved one came about a work of enchanting beauty. The same can happen with many painful events of our life; they can ultimately result in highly positive circumstances. We have dedicated the month of May to resilience, to remember that pain can be transformed into blessings. According to today’s promise, in our daily relationship with God, when we remain by His side, the events and experiences that may seem painful and unwanted, are God’s way of helping us reach our loftiest goals.
If you do not understand why something unpleasant is happening in your life, instead of getting angry with God, offer Him this prayer: «Loving Father, I don’t understand the reasons for my pain, but strengthen my faith to accept the situation; and during the course of the storm, help me to cling to the Psalmist’s testimony, “They (my enemies] attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the Lord supported me. He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me» (Ps. 18:18, 19, NLT).