I just have to tell you how excited I am! I just shared my blog on social media for the first time yesterday. I have to be honest and tell you how nervous I was about doing this. I realized that I would be making myself and my family even more vulnerable than we already are to this cruel and sinful world. I wasn’t as worried about myself, but mainly my family. We live in a small community in Pearl River County where everyone pretty much knows everyone. As most of you know, my husband holds a high position in our community (Superintendent of Education at Pearl River Central School District). I have worried about how it may affect him many times, as well as my children and our parents. I really had to pray hard for reassurance from God that this is what He wanted and take a huge leap of faith. I breathed a huge sigh of relief when I hit that post button….and then I said, God it’s in Your hands from here. It was time for me to sit back and let Him do the rest. I have been so encouraged by the response I have received thus far. I want to thank each of you for your support & for sharing how it helped you and for all of your sweet comments. I have had many people comment, email and message me with responses….God has touched many hearts already and if no one else or no other blog helps anyone then it still would’ve all been worth it! I have obeyed what God told me to do and I will continue to obey and continue with this blog. I would be honored if you followed it and I welcome any and all comments, private messages, or emails that anyone is led to.
In 1Peter 4:12-19 it talks about suffering for God’s glory. We shouldn’t be surprised when we go through trials in our life, but instead rejoice. When we suffer for Christ, His glory will be revealed and we will receive joy. 1Peter 4:16 says Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. I’ve suffered for many years and kept my problems hidden because I was ashamed of my mental illness. All those years, I was not glorifying God. In return, I was robbing myself and others of a blessing. 1Peter 4:19 says Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. Our sufferings on this earth are short lived when you’re comparing them to eternity, not to mention, they will be well worth it. Romans 8:18 says For I consider that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. God’s glory will shine brightly through us to others during our suffering in this life if we will allow it. It’s often difficult to understand why we have to suffer, but one day we will understand. Romans 8:28 says And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. The truth in this verse is incredible! No matter what it may be….sickness (mental or physical), shortness of life, disabilities, poverty, persecution, difficulty in life, rejection of family, or whatever…God can and will work out all things for a higher good for His children. The bottom line is that trials in our life are to be expected and are designed to further His good purpose. Unfortunately, suffering is part of this life. We are to always keep our faith and strengthen our trust in Him during our times of trials because God will create a greater good from it!