Acid Can Be Awesome

As I proceeded to handle the rice water mixture, its pungent, acidic odor slapped me. I could not believe how much that fermented rice water stank! It had been soaking for a few days, and I now doubted the advice of the hair care video. How could something so acidic be any good for my hair? A Google search confirmed that though rice water was acidic, it was very beneficial to hair. It was reputed to restore pH balance and repair, rejuvenate, and promote hair growth.

A colleague in science explained to me that some acids are actually helpful. Hydrochloric acid is found in our stomachs. It helps with digestion through the breakdown of food. Vitamin C, ascorbic acid, is good for skin, gums, and our immune system. Even vinegar is helpful with preservation. My colleague’s explanation led me to think that even unpleasant circumstances, like some acids, have their place and function in our lives.

Quite like my rice water experience, we may encounter situations that stink. We question their usefulness to our Christian experience. Lord, what good could come out of this?

The widow of 2 Kings 4 was about to lose her home and two sons, but it was this “acidic” calamity that built her faith and trust in God as He provided for her and her sons. The effects of sin, rebellion, and loss can help us become more spiritually disciplined. Debt can elicit creativity and faith that we did not know we had. Betrayal can sharpen our focus on God and His faithfulness. Personal mistakes help us be humble and gracious when dealing with others.

 The rice water did work. My hair looked awesome. Eventually, though not immediately, I saw evidence of growth and sheen. Similarly, there is much that we might learn from trials if we pay attention. They are sent to transform and not destroy. David, in Psalm 119, noted that his afflictions caused him to learn God’s laws. The Father knows just the right amount of “acid” to apply. First Corinthians 10:13 also assures us that God will not allow tests we cannot bear.

If you are going through what seems like an acidic trial, keep trusting God. Be encouraged that God can use something unpleasant to restore, repair, rejuvenate, grow, and preserve. His plans for us are awesome.

Judelia Medard-Santiesteban.