Faith in Hard Times with Tasha Layton
5 Must Dos to Let God Author Your Story
In this Family Life Radio interview, we asked Tasha Layton if given the choice of a pause or rewind button in life, which would she prefer. She reflects on the benefits of the pause button, and then on how she might want to rewind to the years when she didn’t trust God fully and tried to go her own way.
“I don’t really have any regrets in life. And I feel like God doesn’t waste anything and everything that I’ve walked through. He’s totally used it to shape me. But maybe when, someone asks me a question – like in this interview, I would like to hit pause just so that I can truly think through what I’m about to say.”
1. Trust God in the Moment
Identifying herself as an internal processor, Tasha says, “I prefer to take time away to think about how I really feel and come back to you, versus talking through it in the moment. … I’m not averse to conflict, but I do really like to take my time. So, [I’d choose a] pause button.”
Have you ever felt the urge to take control of your life, only to realize later that trusting God would have been the better choice? Tasha said, “The instance where I would want to rewind … the years that I didn’t trust, that I tried to go my own way. I could have just surrendered, let Him do it, trusted Him and seen what He would have done.”
When faced with uncertainty, it can be tempting to rely on our own understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (NIV).
Trusting God in the moment means surrendering our worries and allowing Him to guide us, even when it’s difficult.
2. No Regrets, Only Lessons
Despite her reflections on the past, Tasha emphasized that she has no regrets. She said, “I don’t take anything back, right? Like I said, I don’t have any regrets.”
What a powerful perspective for our faith journey. Every experience, whether good or bad, shapes who we are and teaches us valuable lessons.
When you look back on your life, try to see past mistakes as opportunities for growth rather than regrets. Romans 8:28 assures us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (NIV).
Trust that God can use every part of your story for good.
3. Share Your Story
One of the most powerful points Tasha made was about the importance of sharing your story. She said, “When you share your story, it takes the power of shame away.”
By being open about our struggles, we can help others feel less isolated and more understood.
Sharing your experiences creates a connection with others, allowing them to see that they are not alone. Tasha shared how her story of struggling with suicide opens conversations and brings healing. She explained, “The amount of people that I talk to about suicide every day is insane … it just opens up a lot of wounds in the room.”
Your vulnerability can inspire others to share their own stories, breaking the power of shame and fostering a supportive community.
4. God Does Not Waste Pain
Tasha shared, “[God] took this thing that the enemy meant for evil, and He turned it for good, and he didn’t waste it.”
Understanding that God uses what we go through can bring comfort and hope during difficult times. And while God doesn’t cause bad things to happen, He can use them for our growth and His glory.
Tasha compared this to parenting, saying, “Like you’re not going to rescue your child from every single thing, or they’re not going to learn.” You can trust God to turn your pain into something beautiful and meaningful.
5. Bringing Things to Light
Lastly, Tasha emphasized the importance of bringing our struggles into the light. She said, “When you bring things to the light, God starts moving in a specific way in your life to take that weight of shame. When you repent, when you share [your struggle] with someone else, it just takes the lid off. We need to take the lid off and a lot of things.”
Confessing and sharing your struggles allows God to work in your life and remove the burden of shame.
James 5:16 encourages us, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (NKJV).
Bringing your struggles into the open not only invites God’s healing but also strengthens your faith and community.
As you navigate your faith journey, trust that God is guiding you, and know that your story, with all its highs and lows, can bring hope and healing to others.
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