By Andrea Merrell
But in everything and in every way we show that we truly are God’s servants. We have always been patient, though we have had a lot of trouble, suffering, and hard times.
2 Corinthians 6:4 CEV
The Scripture reached out and grabbed me by the throat during my morning devotion. Well, at least it felt that way. It certainly stopped my petty complaining in its tracks.
In 2 Corinthians, the apostle
Paul talks about being patient—and even happy—in the midst of adversity. He says, “We have been beaten, put in jail, and hurt in riots. We have
worked hard and gone without sleep or food" (6:5).
I’ve
been through some pretty rough times in my life, but I’ve never been beaten.
Never put in jail. Never hurt in a riot. I’ve worked hard, but I’ve never gone
without sleep or food. In fact, my experiences pale in comparison.
My sweet,
twenty-six-year-old friend has a multitude of physical issues. She’s endured
two strokes, a feeding tube, various surgeries, and numerous hospital visits.
She’s still unable to keep food down. Her life literally hangs in the balance.
She can’t function normally as most of us can, yet she finds joy and praises
her Lord, sharing His love with everyone she can.
Paul
goes on to say, “We are always happy, even in times of suffering” (v. 19). He
chose joy. My friend chooses joy each and every day. No matter how difficult
their circumstances, I am greatly inspired by both.
The
next time your circumstances threaten to overwhelm you and take you under,
remember Paul. Remember my friend. Look around you and see others who are dealing
with much more serious issues. Then praise God. Be thankful. And most of all,
choose joy in the midst of adversity. It will give you strength and carry you through those hard times.
TWEETABLE
(Photo courtesy
of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Stuart Miles.)
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