“...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thes. 5:18

Yesterday Barbara had surgery on two spots of skin cancer on her lovely face. It was quit traumatic and deep, with a skin graft necessary. Afterwards she had a lot of pain which led to a very bumpy night, being up numerous times, administering support and tylenol. Then today she bravely moved through the morning, including a trip to the motor vehicle department with me, but by the afternoon she wilted and had to rest the rest of the day.

The Word says, "Give thanks in all…”--hard when you suffer yourself, maybe harder when a loved one suffers. But we can give thanks because God allows hard times for His own wise purposes. It is  important that we embrace them, joining Him in His great plans. Think of the extreme example of Job, chosen for a major role in the mighty spiritual battle between good and evil. It was wrenching, overwhelming, and extremely challenging, but the book of Job has helped millions to answer the question, “Why is there suffering?” What if Job had failed the test and cursed God?

So we thank God for our minor difficulties, trusting Him to use them for good in the long run.

Picture: wounded Barbara