Praise Him Even When Suffering -- Romans 5:3-5

 "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5

Lately, this scripture has been on my heart. When we are suffering, the last thing we want to do is rejoice; at least it is the last thing I feel like doing. When my joints ache and I can barely move without excruciating pain or when my heart is broken from losing someone I love, lifting my arms and rejoicing in my suffering takes a lot of effort. 

However, I know the Lord is with me and I am not walking through this alone. That brings me great comfort and I do rejoice and praise the Lord for His love and faithfulness to me. I am so unworthy of His love and comfort, but I am so thankful that He loves me (warts and all!). 

Last year, I unexpectedly lost a beloved pet. His name was Jacob and he was my baby, the apple of my eye, and my constant companion. He died at six years old from brain cancer. When Jacob passed, my grief was almost inconsolable. For weeks, I could barely function. My work suffered, my personal relationships were strained, and I avoided God (hid under the blankets and refused to talk with Him). 

One day I was sitting at my desk, staring at a blank Word document, trying desperately to 
focus my thoughts and pound out a stellar article for one of my clients. I honestly do not know how long I sat there. But, I felt a warm little body press against my leg. When I looked down, there was Jayden, my little Japanese Chin, staring up at me. Having lost his dad just a few weeks before, I did my best to not look at him. Jayden looks so much like his dad that most people cannot tell the two apart. 

I scooped Jayden up into my arms and buried my face in his soft fur. At that moment, I felt a warm hand on my shoulder and a peace flood through my soul. The Holy Spirit brought such peace and understanding. The grief was not gone, but it was lessened and I could see there was much to be thankful for. 

When you are going through trials, and wondering when the suffering would end, raise your eyes to the heavens and thank the Lord for His love and blessings. Praise His name and use your trials to strengthen your relationship with the Lord! He will never leave you!!