For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. –Romans 8:18

Truth is that you don’t realize God is all you need until He is all you have. It was New Year’s Eve 1999, when the doctors told my family that my father had 3 months to live. I was only 12 but even then, God heard my cry. I prayed, “God, if you are real, save my father”. Three months later the doctor’s diagnosis extended another 3 months, and to them, that was the max. But God had another plan in mind. From the deathbed, God lifted up my dad, He brought salvation to my family and peace to my home. God showed me that He was always in control. That He does bring healing and restoration to the broken. It was sweet victory.

Fast forward to 2008, this time doctor’s said it was cancer. For eight years I was a witness to God’s miracles, signs and wonders. God made my father into a mighty man of God. And then in January 2009, my miracle died. I never knew this heart of mine could hurt so much. How could this happen? Why me? I mean, I prayed, I fasted, I read my Bible, I was active in church and I thought I was living as right as possible. I felt so confused, so hurt, so alone, so sad and totally broken. I was daddy’s little girl, this was not part of the plan. My dad was supposed to walk me down the aisle, help me raise my children. The pain I felt was so debilitating that I had no strength to pray or praise.

I knew God to be my dad’s Healer, but now it was I who needed healing for my heavily broken heart. I am not strong, not at all. But I learned to rely on every Word of God, every promise He had spoken over my life. I knew that the God who made those dry bones in 1999 live again, was the very same God who would never leave nor forsake me. I have since learned and am continuing to learn that the joy of the Lord is my strength. That He is my strong tower, the Rock on which I stand. He cares for the widows and orphans. He is my Heavenly Father. Abba!

I now know what it is to rejoice in sufferings because it strengthens our faith. I’ve learned that life is so short and so, we must make the most of it. When we get put through fire, it’s because God is perfecting the work He began in us. He is making us as pure as gold.

I thank God for the process, because through our present sufferings, God is unveiling His amazing glory that is within us. And beloved, from that glory, we will keep moving from glory to glory! That’s a mind blowing, soul shaking, and breath taking glory!

Know that God understands your pain way better than you think. He sent His Son, Jesus, to pay the price for our sins. He will meet you right where you are. If you are hurting and broken, know that God is healer and He is making your faith in Him stronger than ever! There is no pain too deep that His love can’t reach! And know that you… yes you, are His child. And God does not abandon His children ever! So whatever it is that you’re complaining about, the trial that you are going through, that pain and suffering you’ve been enduring, know that all of that is bringing the GLORY out of you!!

To Christ be the glory forever and ever,

Amen