Romans 8 reminds us we will suffer in life. We will go through periods when we groan, cry out, wonder what happened, and ask how catastrophic situations happen to Godly people.

The valleys in life can be dry. Barren. Elongated. We wonder, when will this problem or issue stop? When will the breakthrough happen?

The difficult experiences of life give us strength, if we allow God to shine HIS glory through it all. Each person has their own story, which helps us relate to others when the path of pain enters their life. We can help by praying for those who go through similar struggles we have endured and conquered. We encourage them, lift them up so they continue to hope while they wade through their personal situation. We persevere so to be an example of His strength in us, which shows His glory through our lives.

I’ve surely been there enough times, I should be a pro by now!

The death of my wonderful grandparents left huge voids in my life, they were like parents to me. Thirty years later, I still miss them so much, but appreciate the love and memories I have. God gave them to me as a special gift, which I will treasure forever.

My spiritual mom had a heart attack and died at 57 years old. She led me to the Lord. She loved me unconditionally and showed me how Jesus lives in us. She was a prayer warrior. A mighty woman. I didn’t know how I could continue to grow as a young adult, learning about life, parenting, and marriage without her wisdom.

My husband and I buried two stillborn babies. Surreal as it was, we had to have a casket and a plot for two children, this could put any parent in a crazy suit.

But God.

My willingness to be honest with God, as I’d respond in deep cries of pain that hurt from within my heart. Expressing to him how much I did NOT understand what and why these people in my life had died so young. Yet, I trust YOU, are my LORD. You are my God. You know. I don’t. I can only see a portion of what lies ahead. Help me grasp what you are teaching me in and through these losses.

I still had joy, love, and clarity of mind. Peace was mine, even though nothing felt peaceful. When life was a whirlwind, I always walked in faith. When my faith was small, God showed himself Big. Living in meekness is the best way to become strong live with a good temperance.

How? Do.I.Do.This? you ask.

The flesh cannot fulfill faith. We must have the Holy Spirit living within our mind and heart. The plans of the Holy Spirit, which benefit eternal life. It helps remind us to yield to Him, for strength, especially when we are weak. (1Corinthians 6:19.

We have to daily die to self to cooperate with Him. In time we see the reason and the plan which is always beneficial, and often helps others strengthen their walk with God, or come to Him for salvation.

Oh God, He is SO so good. He shows us his promises and gives us such patience, which we need to learn, ESPECIALLY when we walk through the darkest of valleys!

When our second baby died, I shook my head. I did not understand what God was doing, or allowing. I will be honest and say I told him it upset me when this happened……again.

Some years after we buried our little Mark, God had been doing a work within my husband, who was seeking God, asking many questions over the fifteen years we were married. God was opening his heart and mind towards Him, while he was watching me stay in faith as I fully trusted in Jesus, through the hardest times imaginable. During these times, my husband came to accept Jesus as his Savior, at thirty-eight years old.

Through the times we faced the death of our loved ones, and other factors throughout life, (jobs loss, surgeries etc.), I knew that God would get us through it all. He would guide us as a family. Yes, tears and sadness came in floods sometimes, but at the end of the day, the tears and heartache were captured in His arms. He had it all taken care of. Hope was always mine. My husband silently watched. Somehow, even though he never mentioned it, God was doing such a deep work in him. Once my husband surrendered his life to Christ, two weeks later a car accident took his life. Was this a triple whammy? I had buried two babies then my husband. Some would say so. But I knew that God was doing something profound. He did it in my husband, as he watched my faith grow throughout our marriage and all the many struggles we had. My husband came to know faith was real. He knew Jesus was Savior.

Healing was his. Healing was mine. Healing is yours too. It is through the suffering we must trust God to do a cleansing. A real work. Purifying us from within. We are justified in Christ. We are redeemed. God calls us from the depths of despair. My husband conformed to His calling, as did I.

To live as Christ is gain. Will you live redeemed? Or live in despair? The choice is yours. With small faith, you too can rise up and be filled with His hope and know that eternity in heaven will be your prize. Never give up hope. Read Romans 8, it’s a wonderful assurance of God’s glory and hope. God is alive, he is doing a work in you, my friend. Let him fill you up, even when it seems hard.