Making Friends with Your Problems

"Make friends with your problems..." what an interesting concept, but one that's definitely worth pondering. Trust me - it's worth it. As hard as it is at times to face our problems and continue to move forward, weathering to get through the storm can have an unexpectedly positive purpose. Remembering that through all things, God is still in control and continuing to have that strong trust in Him can be difficult, but it's an important reminder. The following comes from a daily devotional (Jesus Calling) that my amazing mother-in-law shared with me from this weekend, and it's a uniquely fitting reminder from God of His plan and purpose in everything...

"MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE PROBLEMS IN YOUR LIFE. Though many things feel random and wrong, remember that I am sovereign over everything. I can fit everything into a pattern for good, but only to the extent that you trust Me. Every problem can teach you something, transforming you little by little into the masterpiece that I created you to be. The very same problem can become a stumbling block over which you fall if you react with distrust and defiance. The choice is up to you, and you will have to choose many times each day whether to trust Me or defy Me.

The best way to befriend your problems is to thank Me for them. This simple act opens your mind to the possibility of benefits flowing from your difficulties. You can even give persistent problems nicknames, helping you to approach them with familiarity rather than with dread. The next step is to introduce them to Me, enabling Me to embrace them in My loving Presence. I will not necessarily remove your problems, but My wisdom is sufficient to bring good out of every one of them."

~ Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 1:23-24

Everyday I'm constantly faced with two choices: I can remind myself that even through these trialing times of infertility, God has a plan and purpose in all of it, or I can allow my problems to consume me. I often try to consciously choose the first; however, like anyone, I have my weak moments (and rough days) when the latter becomes true. Regardless, as long as I can continue to hold on to the faith that God's working through this difficulty (in some way, shape, or form), I can continue to rely on the strength He provides me to get through all of this... and keep looking forward.