
3 And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Romans 5:2-5 (KJV)
I put on my happy face and things are going well for the first obstacle, and the second, and the third. So far they are only little things. I may normally get a little annoyed or discouraged with these things, but so far I am able to keep my happy face. I am feeling really good. I am thinking to myself, “Hmmm. Yes, taking tribulations with grace really helps. God has something here with this attitude.”
Then, my back starts to hurt. I am good at first. I smile and know that it will get better soon. Other small tribulations come up and I try to smile. At this point, I am thinking, “Hmmm. Okay God, I know you said to take tribulations with grace, but after a while, it doesn’t get so easy. “ I joke about it with a friend and say, “Maybe God is trying to give me a lot of practice. LOL.”
My back still hurts. It is starting to weigh on me physically and emotionally. It is difficult to do things with a sore back and not being able to do things isn’t very fun. I am not able to help my husband, as I want at the moment. I am not able to be as productive with my business as I would like to be at the moment. This is starting to bring negative thoughts and questions. I have been complaining some. It isn’t easy.
Thankfully, spiritually I am doing okay, because I know that God will give me what I need at the time I need it. I know that God will overpower even my negative thoughts and my complaining at some point.
I have been thinking about the elderly and other people who suffer with chronic pain and how they must feel. I am sure it is a thousand times worse than what I am experiencing. I think that maybe the back pain might be a lesson that helps me care for others better and feel more compassion. It could be a result of me not treating my body well and it is a lesson to teach me to treat my body better.
So, what is the message? You got it! “Take tribulations with grace.” I am thankfully God is merciful, because I still need practice with that one. But… I will try. LOL.
P.S.- Please pray for healing in my back and my attitude, so that I can "take tribulations with grace." Thank you.