Soaring with Strength

By Tracy Leonard
Parishioner, St. Mary’s, Evans Mills

Why do bad things happen to good people? Why, why, why? What is the purpose for this and how can this be real? Is there really a God? I’m sure these are questions we’ve all asked ourselves at one time or another, and if not self-directed, we’ve heard them uttered by others who are perhaps confused, struggling, ill, hurt or suffering.

Over the past year, I know these aching thoughts have entered my mind on various occasions. Difficult situations such as broken relationships, terminal illness, loss of a loved one, abortion, job loss, marital or family struggles, financial strain, addiction, homelessness, etc. are hard to bear, yet I’ve come to understand that there are two choices when you find yourself in difficult circumstances such as these: you can give up or you can go on.

Only you can make that choice, but if you choose to go on, you can encourage many others throughout your life who are faced with the same choice you had to make. Hold onto your hope, realizing that a trying circumstance can turn into a wonderful testimony in a matter of minutes. God uses difficulties to make us people He can trust and people He can use. Take time to wait on God and allow Him to renew your strength so you can soar. Acknowledge that you don’t always grow or become strong during life’s good times, rather you grow when you press through difficulties, challenges or tragedies without giving up.

How do you not give up? Well, one of the best gifts you can give yourself is time alone with God- connect with Him in awesome ways in places of deep peace and quiet. If you give God time, He will give it back to you.
Spend time with Him. Trust Him. Praise, worship and thank Him for life’s blessings and joys. Pray and mediate for encouragement and strength during the tough times. Know that God wants you to be strong enough to soar over the storms of life and to fulfill all the plans He has for you… build your spiritual body to do so.

This presence of God will help you to overcome life’s fears or uncertainties. If you know by faith that God is with you, you can take on any challenges with confidence and courage. You may not always feel God’s presence, but trust His word, knowing that He will never leave or forsake you. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Also, the next time you are confronted with unavoidable suffering, it can become meaningful if you prayerfully unite it with the sufferings and redeeming love of Christ. In faith, accept your own suffering and share in the sufferings of others with compassion and love.