Holding Fast

Read 2 Corinthians 4: 7-12, 16-18

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our inner strength in the Lord is growing every day. These troubles and sufferings of ours are, after all, quite small and won't last very long. Yet this short time of distress will result in God's richest blessing upon us forever and ever! So we do not look at what we can see right now, the troubles all around us, but we look forward to the joys in heaven which we have not yet seen. The troubles will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18 (TLB)

And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans.

Romans 8:28 (TLB)

As a young child, Christine Adhikari, from Georgia, was diagnosed with several conditions affecting her eyes, joints and blood vessels. Despite a childhood full of medical appointments and eye surgeries, Christine eventually lost sight in her right eye. Forty years later, it is by God's grace that she has any vision at all.

Honestly, all that she has gone through sometimes seems a bit senseless, and she doesn't feel like her faith has been strengthened as a result. Christine is thankful for God's blessings; but while scripture says we should have patience in suffering (see Romans 12:12), Christine just wants the surgeries and pain to end.

Her perspective widened when she joined a prison ministry a year ago. As Christine nervously shared her story in front of a gymnasium full of women, everyone was silent and she couldn't see any faces. But by the time she reached the end, there were shouts of "Amen!" and "Hallelujah!" Women came to hug her afterward with tears in their eyes.

Perhaps when suffering does not refine our own faith it can offer inspiration for others. While Christine may not feel like her faith has grown because of her health, she has not abandoned it. Rather, she holds on to faith despite her trials. And maybe that's what really matters.

Prayer: Dear Lord, in spite of our sufferings and trials, help us to hold steadfastly on to you. Empower us to share our stories so our vulnerability may be a gift to others, in Jesus' name. Amen,