Are you going through a difficult season and wondering why these things are happening? Are you caught in situations, thinking you have ruined your life and God's purpose for you because of wrong choices? If so, take heart. God is still at work.

The Creator of the ends of the earth, who created everything except mankind with His words, took extra care to use His holy hands to form the first man, Adam. He does the same with you and me. We are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13–16), and we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:10). Not only did He create us, but He also fashioned us, placing abilities and skills within us in seed form.

He continues to fashion us through every path and every season of life. Sometimes He ordains certain paths. At other times, the enemy brings trials to derail us from our destiny. Yet even when we make choices that lead us into difficult situations, if we are yielded to Him, He graciously uses those very experiences to mold us into the person He created us to be. The Creator knows how to shape His creation far better than we know ourselves, as Isaiah declared, "We are the clay, and You our potter" (Isaiah 64:8).

We may not always understand why we walk through certain trials. Yet trusting God and holding on to His Word is the only way to stand firm and walk through those seasons victoriously.

Scripture gives us several examples of God preparing people before bringing them into their purpose.

Moses was created to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. God raised him in Pharaoh's palace so he could gain the knowledge, skills, and courage needed to stand before Pharaoh (Exodus 2:1–10). Later, God used the years Moses spent in Midian to transform him into the meekest man on earth (Numbers 12:3). Moses may have thought he had lost God's call on his life, but when God's work of preparation was complete, God called him from the burning bush into his assignment (Exodus 3:1–12).

David, the youngest son and a shepherd boy, also needed to be molded before becoming king. Though he was overlooked by his family, God had already placed within him everything he needed for his calling. During the years Saul pursued him (1 Samuel 18–31), God shaped David's character through rejection, hardship, and waiting. After years of pruning, David stepped into his calling as king (2 Samuel 5:1–5).

Elisha was faithfully working in his family's fields when God called him through Elijah. He then entered a quiet season of preparation, serving Elijah during one of the prophet's most discouraging seasons (1 Kings 19:1–18). His faithfulness in the hidden place prepared him for the day God's mantle rested upon him (2 Kings 2:9–15).

Whatever season you are in today, remember that preparation time is never wasted. "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6). God will use every season—even your disappointments and wrong turns—for your good. As He molds, fashions, and prepares you, He is equipping you to fulfill the purpose for which He created you.