Times of Suffering

I used to think car accidents were bad things. Until I had one. I am reminded of a similar circumstance when I was in Bible college. All my friends got their summer assignments together at my first choice, where I had worked the previous summer. I was assigned instead to my second choice, "alone." Although I was a little depressed, my RA encouraged me, "At times like these, we to get to eagerly await the wonderful surprises that God has in store." Looking back, that summer was when I got to apply everything that I had learned, and it was the best part of my year!

Similarly, God used something as "bad" (good) as a car accident to bless me. I don't remember that day or the months immediately following, so then none of the pain. All I know all the good things that came out of it. Some of these include the following:  a greater appreciation for the passages about Jesus healing people, more in common with those people, the cessation of an old addiction, greater love for all people, greater appreciation for and anticipation of each day, the name of someone I don't remember ever meeting or hearing about, but who needs prayer, a greater burden for prayer since there is little else I can do, and probably other blessings I have yet to think about! Oh, like now, I am allowed to have dessert at more meals each day! :)  Because, apparently, I need to gain weight and say "Ho, ho, ho." 

I am reminded of the song, "This Good Day" by Fernado Ortega: It seems to match how I currently feel about life. I hope my life can be an encouragement to someone who is having a physical or emotional "time of suffering" that God loves us, and He has a good purpose for everything He sends!

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for the good to those who love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.

Here is the song:  http://youtu.be/1rbKumMtnuA