A Rough Year
By: La Donna Chase
2015 was a rough year for me. Many of you are aware through an earlier writing that I fell, broke ribs and spent time in the hospital. Then in June I was out walking, “getting healthy,” fell again and broke three bones in my left shoulder and a bone in my right foot! Like I said, a rough year! But through all this adversity came a real blessing…I had a lot more time to get closer to God. James 1:2-3 tells us: “Count it all joy, my children, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” Not easy words but in my favorite devotional book “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young, I read this wonderful piece that spoke clearly to me:
Be prepared to suffer for me, in My Name. All suffering has meaning in my kingdom. Pain and problems are opportunities to demonstrate your trust in Me. Bearing your circumstances bravely—even thanking Me for them—is one of the highest forms of praise...When suffering strikes, remember that I am sovereign and that I can bring good out of everything. Do not try to run from pain or hide from problems. Instead, accept adversity in My Name, offering it up to Me for My purposes. Then your suffering gains meaning and draws you closer to Me. Joy emerges from the ashes of adversity through your trust and thankfulness.
Thank you Lord for being with us through good times and bad. Let us trust you enough to thank you no matter what happens. Amen