​As I was running today on a bright sunny day, I clearly saw my shadow.  No matter how fast I ran, my shadow kept steady pace with me.  I used to say that my life would be so much easier if I didn’t have to bring myself along all the time.  No matter where I went, my shadow was always tagging along, close behind, constantly reminding me that “Dana” was still there.  No matter how hard I pushed myself to be smarter, faster, better, that shadow was still clinging to me.  I couldn’t escape it’s reminders of all the ways I had failed or all the times I missed the mark.  Have you ever felt that way?

What do we do when our view of God and our circumstances disagree?  What do we do when we believe God is good, but we are suffering?  We have to ask upon what we are basing our perspective?  Are we looking to our circumstances to confirm our view of God, or do we trust God regardless of our outward circumstances?  ​If we allow it, our circumstances can cloud our view of God.  But faith holds us to Him as our constant, a surety, our steadfast anchor in the storm.  Faith fastens us to the Truth.  God is good ALL the time.  God is faithful ALL the time.  His promises do not waver.  He is holding you during the difficult times.

​I dare not claim that I understand suffering.  Nor do I say that I have experienced a magnitude of suffering that deserves credit or recognition.  Many have suffered far worse than me!  Yet, I am greatly encouraged as I review the little my Lord has allowed me to suffer.  I wish to share this encouragement with you.  ​Suffering is a mystery.  I cannot relate in detail why God allows His children to suffer.  But I can share that He is never absent from their suffering.  A sure path through the suffering exists for any who call upon the name of the Lord.  The only way through hardships is choosing to trust Christ.  ​