The way we live our lives can never be constant. At times it breaks apart in a manner that we never thought. Macdella Acolatse challenges the reader to realize that it is the saddest seasons in life that God uses as his tool of connecting to divine purpose. Her brave testimony discloses how heartbreak, betrayal, loss, shame and despair are not reasons to give up but are indications that God is working, and He is making something much more than we know.
Among the best things that have been learned in the book is that purpose is not easily found in comfort. It is formed during the hot moments of life, moments when all is going wrong and the heart must have to face its darkest wounds. The troubles of Macdella started early and proceeded in a manner that was emotionally, mentally and spiritually challenging. Loss of money, brain drain, betrayal of loved ones and utter loneliness drove her to a position where she could no longer depend on human strength.
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One theme of the book is that, suffering reveals the concealed. As the pain takes away the layers that we tend to disregard when all is fine. Macdella demonstrates that grief brings out the fragility of hope, grief brings out the uncertainties that were previously kept secret, and disappointment brings in the areas where faith is at stake.
The other important lesson that could be learnt in the book is that difficulties show the actual state of our faith. One can trust God when things are going well and true faith is tested during storms. Macdella does not hesitate to reveal the instances when she lost faith in God, his silence, and whether her pain was a sign that she had been forgotten. But whenever she exhausted her strength, she was aware that God remained silent, which did not mean that He was not present. It was divine preparation.
Not all the individuals that we love, the plans that we make or the environments that we trust are in line with the will of God. When God desires to elevate you, He usually eliminates the things that will frustrate your development. Macdella lost individuals she thought she would spend the rest of her life with through bitter loss and betrayal. She was taught that not everybody that starts the journey is expected to walk with you towards the destination God is taking you.
The other message that the book imparts is the fact that suffering is used by God to reinforce spiritual authority. Each courtship constructs something within you, wisdom, patience, endurance, discipline, and trust. These virtues determine what you are becoming. Later sufferings helped Macdella to become a voice of hope and strength so that she could motivate those people who pass through darkness. Her experiences would make her lack the same impact.
Another point that is made in the book is that emotional prisons, bitterness, shame, fear, self-doubt, and seeking to be validated are revealed by God through the challenges. Such putting shackles restrain your freedom to accept your fate. Her darkest moments made Macdella realize the extent to which she was impacted by the fear of being judged, the necessity to be liked, and the attitude of past injuries. But after God revealed her these emotional dungeons, He also provided her with the strength to get out of them.
Finally, this book teaches us that your struggles do not negate your mission, on the contrary, they make it clear. God sends storms to turn your steps, to recrystallize your heart, to show you what you are Godlike. All the tears, betrayal, and setback are put into a growth instrument. The testimony given by Macdella is an indication that God does not squander pain. Rather, He makes it purpose, strength and spiritual maturity. Her account has a message to the readers that they should have faith in God when at the point of life where life is not making any sense as He is crafting a destiny that is far ahead of the hardship that you are undergoing in this day.