Thankfulness in Difficulties
Eighteen months ago I entered the doors of a program that has blessed my life in so many ways. The journey happened at a time when I was upset by the events that had recently happened in my life. I was devastated and my life was incredibly stressful. But I look back to that time and thank God for what happened as it was a catalyst to greater things that He had planned for my life. That event gave me the strength to leave a place that was unhealthy for me. It allowed God to open doors for me to find the support and help I needed. Over and over again, I thank God for what He did.
This year has been an incredibly challenging year in so many ways but because of that situation I faced, I was pushed into a support system. It has been my backbone to keep me going through the trials I've faced this year. I have prayer groups and many people I can reach out to during the week to ask for prayer. It is this that has kept me going through a very grueling and difficult year. God has provided for my needs in so many amazing ways this year because of that support system. This year despite the incredible difficulties I've watched God work miracle after miracle. God has been there every step of the way. Sometimes He has had to carry me but every single step He has been right there with me and He has proven to me that He sees the big and little needs I have. He is in control of everything and in His perfect timing He has been working out every detail of my life. I am learning to praise God and thank Him for the blessings He gives me each and every day. When I do this the hurdles that remain in my life grow smaller and I become less discouraged because I begin to focus on what God is doing in my life. Sometimes it's as simple as providing me the breaks I need to weather my storms. Other times its showing me that He cares enough to cause me to make it to appointments on time, or to help me not have to wait in lines so I can accomplish all I need to do that day. On the day when I have tons to accomplish I'm amazed it happens on the day I get an extra hour of time because of daylight savings time. Every detail of my life God continues to meet. I thank God daily for the little blessings He gives me each and every day.
This reminds me of the story found in Acts 16:24-26. It says, "On receiving this order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly, a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open, and everyone's chains came loose . . .
When we praise God in the middle of our trials I truly believe this unlocks miracles. It shows God and others that we trust Him. Putting our trust in God allows God to provide for each of our needs. May we become people who lean on God and thank Him for His goodness even in the middle of our difficulties. God is always in control even when we are up to our eyeballs in difficulties. There is nothing too hard for God to do.