Taking Hardship with Grace? I Will Try!

2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
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)

 
                                                                                                        

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     God has been prompting me to take my tribulations with grace lately.  LOL.  Hmmm.  He must be telling me that I complain and worry too much.  So, I have obediently been trying to take my troubles with grace and trying not to worry or complain with each obstacle or disappointment in life. 
     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.