BUMPS IN THE ROAD

Last fall I fell and broke my shoulder. A trip over an unmarked speed bump, and the next weeks were full of pain and discomfort. Like other stumbles in life, this one wasn’t expected, and I would have preferred it didn’t happen. These things never seem to come at a good time.

Yet James, in his New Testament epistle, reminds us that trials are not an “if ” situation, but a given, and we are asked to “consider it pure joy … whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”

These bumps in the road – and I’ve certainly faced them in my life – remind me to look for the blessings. God uses all kinds of life difficulties to test us and show us the right path.

Those dark testing periods, when illuminated by the light of God, often find us emerging in new and better ways.

It is not an easy task to remain joyful in the midst of adversity. Yet, God promises us that our patience and perseverance will be rewarded. He is strengthening us as we learn to lean on Him, building spiritual muscle. He provides what we need. Each trouble provides an opportunity for transformation. I’m reminded of the rock, forged by fire, that becomes a diamond.

Thanks to prayer and perseverance, my shoulder and my life have returned to normal. I’m thankful for the physical therapists who helped me heal by showing me that small movements every day do make a difference. And I’m grateful to family and friends who made things easier for me by providing food and rides and conversation and cards when I needed them. In an odd way, I’m joyful I had an opportunity to slow down and be still.

God really is there with us through all our stumbles and falls and trials and tribulations. He knows what we need, even when we think we have all the answers.

— Becky Todd York

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist