The Trials of Life

When I am discouraged, God is my strength. 

When I feel like I can handle no more, God is my refuge. When I feel isolated and alone, God is my all. When I feel like giving up, God is my stronghold.

This past week has been a filled with many trials both health wise and unexpected news, beyond our control, that will be affecting some of our family members in a great way. To say that I was devastated would be an understatement. Devastated that my child was yet again having to endure another health crisis. Then, the news that one of our key specialists, and one that just happens to be of our most favorite, who cares for several of us is moving to another state. Talk about feeling like being hit by a load of bricks. Many who deal with chronic illness know the devastation that news like this brings.

I am trying so hard to cling to the words of the book of James and what it has to say about trials and the purpose of trials in our lives. "Consider it all joy, my brethren when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who give to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. Butt he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. for the man ought not to expect that the will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; and the rick man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away. Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." 

It is hard to see God's perfect plan through such a storm. It is hard to not worry and give it all to Him knowing that He already has it worked out, when we see no possible ways. I cannot imagine walking this journey without the Lord. I am grateful that when my faith is weak, He is carrying me though.