God is there in suffering.
Maybe more evident than anywhere else. Dare I say it? He is not just the God of glimmering rainbows and dew covered leaves or sweet soft little newborn babies. He shouts his glory through those things. He proclaims himself as the creator of all.
Yet he whispers in our suffering. Sometimes it is the still small voice that is more persistent and convincing than a shout. When we are weak and crumbling on the floor and cannot go on, it is that gentle whisper. “I am here.”
When I cannot get out of bed because the nausea of grief is too great, and all I can do it wrap myself in blankets, the still small voice says, “the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”
“God,” I cry, “I cannot go on. I cannot function. The weight is too great. The pain is too great.”
He says,
“we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 3:3-5
Being a Christ follower means embracing struggle. Yet we have this promise:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you” Isaiah 43:2
Is this life supposed to be easy?
No.
It is through suffering that we are “more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
I see him, more than ever through my suffering. Though my human mind and body is beaten down my soul, my spirit is willing. I will conquer. I will glorify HIM through this.
melissaconnerblog 
Oh, Melissa, your writing is such a blessing!
Will continue to pray!
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Love
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Melissa, Your words are so inspiring! The way you share God’s love and how you capture his blessings in a such a hard place is amazing!! Thank you for sharing…you’re beautiful!
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Melissa, I am drawn to your blog everyday and care deeply how you are doing. I am amazed at your ability to share while in such a “raw” place. I am more amazed that you continue to search out God in the heartache. Your writing is remarkable. Know that others continue to be mindful of how you are processing your grief.
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Beautiful words sharing your love for Christ & also the scripture sharing His love & protection for you & to anyone that believes that Jesus is their Savior! Continue prayers for you & your family. Thank you for your words & listening to God who inspires you .
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The excerpt from Romans is the most powerful thing I have ever read. This sounds terrible, but I when I was reading it…I thought “surely this can’t be from the Bible.” I was certain it was a quote from someone famous, whether living or dead. I was raised Catholic and I received a Catholic education through high school. I believe I have a strong-ish faith (there is always room for improvement). But, I have to admit…studying the word and making real life references to the Bible was not part of my childhood and adult life. It is only since moving to Grand Rapids two years ago that I have seen how this entire community excels at what I consider to be my biggest weakness in my relationship with Christ. Thank you for facilitating and inspiring me to make a change.
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