Grateful for the Hard Days

The hard stuff shapes our hearts. It molds our character. ALWAYS FOR THE BETTER, right? Praise God for the valleys in which we must look up to find Him. Praise God for the lessons learned. For the empathy, love, patience, and wisdom gained.

BE JOYFUL ALWAYS (1 Thess. 5:16). I always thought of this verse as a command, as in “you shall be joyful always.” But now, I’m not so sure that it has to be read as a directive. I think it can also be viewed as a reminder of what’s possible, as in “it’s actually possible to BE JOYFUL ALWAYS.” That’s because precious gifts are hidden in the hard stuff. Character, patience, perseverance, and gratitude (for the simplest things) often accompany hardship. And I know that, for me, a deeper and stronger faith in a very REAL and PRESENT God has been the by-product of my health struggles. And that makes sense, right? Jesus is drawn to the suffering. (And I know that my suffering is mild compared to that of many others; but still, He is with me.) His love is palpable amid the pain. FOR REAL. It’s through the struggle/pain that I’ve solidified my faith in Christ. I’m thankful when He brings me to my knees because He ALWAYS meets me there. ALWAYS. WITHOUT FAIL. He is near to the broken-hearted. And, oh, to have missed out on experiencing the depth of His love would have been such a tragedy. God is GOOD to do whatever it takes to get our attention, to capture our hearts, to better our character, and to grow empathy in our souls for His people. He is faithful. He is patient. And He is persistent in His pursuit of His children. What an awesome God we serve!!! I am so grateful for His IMMENSE WISDOM. For His INFINITE GOODNESSS. For his merciful FORGIVENESS. And for His PERFECT LOVE which casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). I am not afraid of the days ahead. Come what may, I know I serve a MIGHTY GOD whose plans and ways are better/wiser than my own.