As a very sick and pregnant classroom teacher, I prayed A LOT.
I remember rolling out of bed, being so sick, and wondering how I could even get through the day (while not being able to keep any food down).
I prayed I could just drag my body out the door.
When I was in the classroom, I desperately prayed I could make it until break time.
I prayed over food.
I prayed while having conversations with people.
I prayed when I got home and still had work to do.
And I truly would feel these beautiful
spiritual boosts.
I mean, I was still sick. And miserable a lot.
But I’d see the hand of God in those little moments where I felt strength to endure or a little hug that everything would be okay.
Well eventually, I felt better.
As I got into my car at the end of a long middle school day, my mind immediately thought:
“Ah, I haven’t prayed at all today!”
I hadn’t needed the heavenly help.
And immediately I was taught this lesson:
Often, it’s the “bad times” that actually draw us closest to the Lord.
I went from pleading for His help and comfort, to thinking, “Eh, I can do this on my own”.
It’s SO HARD for me to remember this while I am going through bad times, but often they really bring me closer to God.
It’s not a punishment.
It’s actually an opportunity for a blessing.
When I think of Paul, I get exhausted with the trials he had to endure.
He clearly wasn’t being punished for anything.
“Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day”. (Acts 26:22)
But do you think he learned how to rely on God for LITERALLY everything?
Absolutely.
THAT is the hidden blessing that comes from those hard times.
I’m not grateful I was sick, but I am grateful I learned how to rely on God every second during teaching a class.
THAT was my blessing.
“As Paul’s ministry clearly shows, difficulties in our lives are not a sign that God disapproves of the work we are doing. In fact, sometimes it is during the difficulties that we feel His support most strongly.” —CFM Manual
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
