In this world you will have trouble.
John 16:33b

…do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.
1 Peter 4:12

Scripture is abundantly clear that we should not be surprised but, rather, to expect troubles, trials and suffering.  So the question is …. how do we trust God in the midst of such ordeals …. especially if and/or when they’re drawn out over an extended period of time?

Irene’s stem cell transplant/chemo therapy treatment dates back to June of 2007.  To date (13+ months), her fingernails have not grown back, although progress is finally being made on her ring finger and pinky.  All of the fingernails on her right hand remain as the thumb, index and middle finger are portrayed in the photos.  Fortunately, however, her toenails have returned!!!  Irene’s face, hands and feet still have darker skin than the rest of her body but are ever so slowly returning to her natural olive complexion.

We can only trust God in the midst of our troubles, trials and suffering to the extent that we KNOW him and have EXPERIENCE with him.  Knowledge and experience teaches us that God is trustworthy even in our darkest hours.  Knowledge and experience teach us that He is FAITHFUL and that he manifests his presence to us during those very challenging times.  In Jesus Christ we overcome whatever comes our way …. even, in Irene’s case, the colossal challenge of Primary Amyloidosis.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33b

Caminando con Fé

Dave