If you’ve read my post about my temper tantrum with God, you know I’ve been facing some unexpected physical challenges.  This is not what I bargained for. Honestly, I get discouraged when I try to figure out how to solve it myself…I’m used to being a do-er, a problem-solver, an encourager of others. And it can get me down when I don’t see answers on the horizon. But then I have to remind myself that I serve the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Great Physician and comforter, who owns all the cattle on the hills and a mansion in glory waiting for me.  So this is NOT TOO BIG for MY GOD!

I don’t know why God has allowed this to happen.  Often when we face trials we don’t know why.  To be perfectly straight-forward with you, I don’t often care why.  I have come to believe that if God allows it, then there must be a reason and that’s good enough for me.  What I do care about, however, is “how?”  How should I handle it?  How does He want me to respond in the midst of the storm? What does he want me to learn?

The answer is usually that He wants me to thank Him and praise Him in the midst of the trial, in the middle of the pain, when it’s tough.  You see, I have found that that is when my faith grows the most.  I don’t grow as much during the mountain-top seasons…I grow the most in the valley.  I grow the most during those times when my natural inclination is not one of gratitude.  Anyone can remain thankful and positive in the easy times of life.  I believe God wants me to exercise my faith, and be thankful and praise Him in the hard times.

Philippians 4:11-13 tells us “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Whatever valley this finds you in right now, will you respond with faith, gratitude and praise?  It will make a difference…I’d stand on it.