“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

Psalm 34:8, NLT

The Lord says, “Though this season has felt bittersweet for many, I am the God who empowers you to triumph; I will turn the bitter into sweet. Watch as the very trauma and heartache of the previous season becomes your launching pad.

“As I did with Joseph, I will take what the enemy meant for harm and turn it for good (Genesis 50:20)! It’s time for payback! I am the God who rewards you. I have seen how you have maintained your integrity, even in intense times of testing. Like Job, you have said in your heart, ‘Though He slays me, I will trust Him’ (Job 13:15).

“Beloved, not one tear shed has escaped My notice. As written in My Word, ‘I keep track of all your sorrows. I have collected all your tears in a bottle. I have recorded each one in My book’ (Psalm 56:8). I will take what may seem like a loss and turn it into gain, for as the heavens are higher that the Earth, so are My ways higher than yours (Isaiah 55:9).

“I am pleased with how you have kept your heart soft and pliable, even when the pain seemed to be more than you could bear. Just as Abraham did, you have placed all that is dear to you on the alter. I am going to reward your obedience greatly!

“Many have misunderstood you and even spoken against you, but I look beyond how things appear; I see your heart.

“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7

“Take courage, dear one, and let My joy and hope bubble up inside of you. I am transforming your heartache into joy. I am bringing restoration and recompense. I am turning the bitter into sweet.”

“To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.”

Isaiah 61:3, NLT