Rejoicing in my suffering

Well truth be known, I really don't know anyone who rejoices while suffering.

And right now I'm down deep in it. Sunk right to the bottom, I feel as if I can't get any lower.

But in the midst of all of this suffering, I called one of my dearest friends, Beth.

She is always completely and totally honest. She is pretty amazing and I am blessed to have her in my life.

After a good talking and crying to her. And then me listening to her responses, she had the best one.

GO TO CHURCH!

And that is what I did last night. I went to church and sat right by her.

And what does the preacher open up with...Joy isn't from circumstance. It is from the One who gives grace and mercy no matter the circumstance.

I was blown away. I looked at Beth and she looked at me and she wrote me a note that said, I didn't talk to him, I swear!

I just told her it was God. He knew what I needed to hear and when.

Then we proceed to get into this...

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance builds character, and character gives hope. Because God has poured out his love into our hearts...Romans 5:3-5

If that isn't a God wink moment then I don't know what is. My mother in law always says that suffering is God building character in you. She couldn't be more right.

I really really really needed to hear this.

Funny how I called Beth on my way home yesterday and we talked about some very honest and very deep stuff. She said some very up front things to me. But I needed to hear those things.

She also told me she had been praying for me, Hubs, and the boys.

Wanna know what she was praying, that God would grab mine or our attention and bring us back to church.

Let me just say that a certain sports activity has taken over our weekends, including Sunday mornings.

Again, blown away.

And to let God know, not that he doesn't already, I am listening and waiting to do as you ask.