Read This If Life Feels Tough...

I’m sitting quietly this morning at a hotel near the hospital where Matt recently spent 46 LONG nights receiving cancer treatment. Thankfully, Matt isn’t in that hospital today. Instead he’s sleeping soundly here with me and we’re here for a weekly visit.

In the stillness, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for this gift. And so many more. In the stillness, I open my Bible. I’m reading through Romans - one of my favorites:

Romans 5:3 says that we rejoice in our sufferings knowing that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces HOPE. And HOPE will not disappoint us because God’s love has been POURED INTO OUR HEARTS through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

Suffering is terrible. I‘m sorry for all those who suffer, including my son. But this verse has reminded me since my childhood that I am called to embrace it- yes, rejoice in it- not because I like pain. But because I know God is transforming me in it. God uses suffering in a way only he can to redeem it for good.

The result? God’s love is poured into our hearts! Let that sink in for a second. Picture it... God’s love being poured into our hearts- until they overflow with it.

Today I am challenged with a grateful heart asking myself, what will I do with the love God is poured into my heart? Will I go to Matt’s appointment fearful and saying “why Matt?” Or will I be able to pour out the love he’s given us through this suffering to bless others? If so, what does that look like for me today?

Or for you?

“Lord, give us eyes to see and a heart to feel when someone we encounter today needs your love. Help us pour it into them, knowing this is how you redeem suffering and use us for your glory. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your great love story. Amen”

Please share how you poured out this love in your heart today! I can’t wait to read your experiences.