Tuesday Talk

Happy Tuesday!

Today I am linking up for Tuesday Talk with Erika and Ashley where we can talk about any and everything we want!

I have had a lot on my mind lately about trials and hard times. Here are a few of my random thoughts and Scriptures I have been studying.

James 1:2-3

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

Count it JOY when trials come your way?!? You might be thinking how is this even possible?

I feel like in the last twelve months Chris and I have had our share of trials.

My dad passed away, our daughter and nephew were diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes within two months of each other, and Chris’s mom is currently battling stage 4 cancer.

Yesterday, we didn’t receive the news we wanted for Chris’s mom. The HIPEC surgery they were hopeful she could have this summer is no longer an option. There was cancer spread to the small intestine, so that surgery is out.

The doctors are coming up with a new game plan on how to fight this horrible disease and we are ready to fight this cancer with her! We are trusting God to get us all through this.

As we got this news yesterday, I couldn’t help but wonder “why?”

I know I have blogged about that question before and sometimes life throws so much, it’s hard to wonder what is the reasoning behind everything.

I’m then reminded of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4:

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

I know the Lord feels for me and I know that there is purpose in my suffering when I realize my experiences will serve as comforts to others going through similar trials.

I’m thankful as a Christian, I will never have to suffer without Christ’s comfort.

Also, maybe going through trials is what makes us stronger and closer to God in the end.

I know I am learning to pray and talk with God like never before.

When I miss my dad, I find myself praying to God telling him everything I would long to tell my dad.

When I just can’t stand to watch Elizabeth give herself another shot or I run to the grocery store for a few minutes and Liz calls me with a low blood sugar of 39 and she’s scared, I can’t help but feel mad/sad/confused/angry.

But it’s in those moments, I cling to God’s promise found in Psalms 56:3: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.”

I have used this verse many times before since my dad left it to my sister in his Bible, but it is so powerful and one I repeat to myself almost daily!

No mater what life throws at me, I am going to genuinely smile and face each trial head on! I won’t let the devil steal my joy and will always turn to God in my life.

Maybe you are going through a hard time right now. Maybe you have never went through a hard time, but you will remember what I am saying when you do.

I encourage you to become stronger in your faith so that no matter what you go through, you can see the JOY in every situation.

There are days it’s hard, there are days I don’t want to smile and I want to have a bad day, but what good would that do?

Leaving you with part of a devotion Chris’s Aunt Sherry shared with us yesterday. I hope it encourages you!

“I AM A MIGHTY GOD. Nothing is too difficult for Me. I have chosen to use weak ones like you to accomplish My purposes. Your weakness is designed to open you up to My Power. Therefore, do not fear your limitations or measure the day’s demands against your strength. What I require of you is to stay connected to Me, living in trusting dependence on My limitless resources. When you face unexpected demands, there is no need to panic. Remember that I am with you. Talk with Me, and listen while I talk you through each challenging situation.

I am not a careless God. When I allow difficulties to come into your life, I equip you fully to handle them. Relax in My Presence, trusting in My Strength.”

For nothing is impossible with God.

—Luke 1:37

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

—Deuteronomy 31:8

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

—2 Corinthians 12:9

Thanks for letting me share a little of my heart today.

~Jen

P.S. Be kinder than necessary to everyone you meet, it might be a T1D mom that has had little sleep because of fighting a low with their child, or a lady that just lost her spouse, or a son that just found out his mom has cancer.