prismaticbleed | romans 5 verse of the day

Today's question: "What struggles might God be encouraging you to rejoice over?"

Today, it's literally food insecurity and chronic illness. I wasn't sure what my next meal would be, or if I had enough in the house to eat. I wasn't sure I'd have enough strength or time to cook, let alone do laundry, or attend choir. But I gave it all to God, sincerely so, and He DID PROVIDE, and IS STILL providing, PERFECTLY. It amazes me. He has literally NEVER failed me, even in the worst circumstances. Hindsight proves this clear. All glory and honor and praise be to our Merciful Lord!!
Still, I haven't been remembering these verses. I want to INSTINCTIVELY REJOICE when I face troubles, and when I suffer pain, in the KNOWLEDGE that God is using this challenge to SANCTIFY me... IF I COOPERATE!
When I trust His plan, AND His Providence, I can be patient. I can endure with solid hope, not in any imagining of my own, but in the unpredictable yet unfailing intercession of my God.
So instead of panicking, worrying, complaining, despairing, crashing, or attempting to (stupidly) "find my own way through"-- which has NEVER worked-- I can be STRONG. I can be peaceful, calm, disciplined, temperate, wise, gentle, even charitable, because I know I have given things to God, and asked trustingly for His help, to do what I admittedly cannot. In that humble dependence, I am never disappointed. My character is indeed strengthened with virtue. My hope in God is deepened and brightened. I am assured of His Love in countless ways and situations, through His gracious Spirit, Who LIVES IN MY HEART and Who never stops guiding me, both with and into that very same Love.
It all starts with a choice. Our gift of free will is the key, encouraged by faith, enlightened by grace. When we are faced with turmoil and loss, struggle and lack, difficulty and confusion... well, when we are faced with chaos, we can choose to open our heart. Then everything WILL be all right, because we have now realigned our perspective with eternity, and no matter what the next trial may bring, we can smile knowing that God is just leveling us up. But don't ever try to go it alone! The whole point is LOVE, not pride! God led you to this point to show you what miracles He can work through that love IF YOU LET HIM. He's the one Who should be holding the controller, dude; He alone knows the right thing to do! Trust Him. Surrender to His guidance, and to His timing. Listen to the Spirit speaking. Be patient! Be joyful! God IS your strength in weakness! No matter what happens, God holds You in His Hand, and when you trust that omnipotent Love, not even death will frighten you. Everything becomes just one step closer to God. Be not afraid.