Trials of Joy

One thing I love about life is that when you think you've mastered something, you're usually proven wrong. I've dealt with a handful of serious health issues over the last few years, and managed through faith to see some incredible healings and miracles (Read some testimonies here and here). 
 
Recently I received news that some blood tests weren't normal, my thyroid is under functioning and protein and calcium levels suggest a tumor. I took the news well, for the first 7 days, but while I waited for further testing, my faith began to flail around like the arms of a person about to drown. To make matters worse, I had a terrible dream which confirmed all of my deepest fears and made me certain that death was a few months away. That dream did more damage than any WebMD article could and I was shaken. 
 
It's difficult to conform bad situations to the goodness of God. When decaying life hands us more dirt, it's easy to feel like a victim with an absent Father. But our circumstances won't ever change heaven's truth. God is good and there's no darkness in Him.
 
Today, I head to the Dr. for more testing, and my heart is resting firmly on the notion that as I wake, God is good. And when I sleep, He'll be just as good. There's no path I could ever walk where my savior won't accompany me, and he was more mercy and grace than I could comprehend- no test results have the power to change that!
 
These last few days have surely been a reminder of James 1:2-4,
 
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
 
Though this isn’t a path I’d chose, I can chose to glorify God at each step of the way and I’m trusting that He will “Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places. (Isaiah 40:4).
 
We appreciate you adding your faith to ours during this time!
 
Blessings!
Alex

Oh, and this song has so blessed me recently! Check it out if you need some encouragement! 

---