Something I just read this morning was in Romans chaper 5 verses 1-5
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
I went through this phase of “Why do I have to go through pain and hurt.” I just got back on this trip and sprained my ankle. My first wave of emotions I was angry. I thought seriously! Come on Jesus! It’s so easy to just turn to God and be angry and blame Him.
I spent the next day laying in my tent on and off with frustration because my ankle was in a lot of pain. I had to isolate myself and just talk to God. I opened up my bible and I randomly (or directed by God) landed on Romans 5. It was the exact encouragement I needed. It actually lead me to speak in front of a church service and my assignment was to give a word and God lead me to speak about turning frustration into rejoicing. Through all my pain and suffering I’ve been through even just this year God has shown me so much! It hasn’t been easy but I have definitely gotten stronger.
It comes down to, do I trust The Lord? Of course I want to say yes but as soon as something happens against me or my body I want to take matters into my own hands. This year has taught me a lot to rejoice even when I absolutely don’t want to. My faith has been tested, stretched and challenged! At times I wondered, God where are you? But when I finally just open my eyes Gods been there this whole time. Look at where I’m at! I’m in Africa and I get to speak to crowds of people about trials I’ve been through. I’ve wanted to give up many times but honestly that’s the easiest way out of things.
When I woke up this morning I had to change my mindset to give my sadness, frustration, anger to God. I chose to be joyful and happy. “When you view troubles in this way as reminders to draw near Me- you can actually rejoice in your trials. Of course it requires training your mind to move quickly from problem mode to prayer mode.” -(Jesus today)
I readjusted my mindset this morning and I also received prayer for my ankle from a few of my teammates. I took off my brace and moved my ankle around, it popped and we continued to pray. I’m happy to announce my ankle is healed! I can walk normal. Jesus healed my ankle!!
