Romans 12:12 “Rejoice and exalt in hope: be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer.”

Thanks to my sister I received a devotional called “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young. The passage today was on hope. When I read one of the scriptures I felt this side of me that said “Are you kidding me?” “How am I supposed to be steadfast and patient while I am suffering and in tribulation, is that even possible?” When I am having flair ups like today I want to rip my arm off and toss it in the garbage. It is useless anyway especially when I have to do things one armed. Let me say that is no easy task when washing dishes or trying to pull your pants up, but I manage.  Most of the time I find hope, I find the joy in my life. Snuggles with Nicholas my beloved cat, reading a good book, enjoying eating zucchini, or simply breathing reminds me of how good my life is, but sometimes when flairs happen I don’t feel that hopeful at all. I have a hard to remembering.

In the grand scheme of things these moments of suffering are not that often, yes, they seem like the whole shebang while I am in the middle, but in reality when I truly look at things. I have an amazing life. I have insurance that covers my medical. I have a supportive family. I have amazing friends. I have my beloved cat Nicholas. And most importantly I have a lot of great things that many others do not have. When I am suffering it is so easy to focus on the negative and not on the whole picture. It is easy to get lost in the pain, in the bitterness, in the discomfort, but I am reminded often that my prayers do get answer, just not in the manner I want them to and that I do have love and support even when it doesn’t feel like it.

I know with my current flair up I have to be steadfast and patient and believe me I am praying a lot.

In the midst of a struggle how do you maintain your hope?