Circumstances

I have come to learn that almost everything that comes my way in life is beyond my control. Things will happen, conditions that I do not choose willingly, events that are not part of my "plan". But I have learned that I can choose how I will respond in these times. Instead of being upset, frustrated, or disappointed by my own inability to control the outcome, I try to stay focused on the fact that an all-powerful and omniscient God is in control. He can either change the circumstances or give me the strength to endure them. This past Saturday, I elected to run a 50K mountain trail race in white-out conditions, 15 degree temps, sub-zero wind chills. I had no control over the weather. I could control how I dressed, how I had prepared, and whether or not I remained focused on the finish or the conditions along the way. In a word, it was brutal. There were times I felt like quitting - but I didn't. How I felt and what I actually considered doing were two different things. I think it's OK to suffer - to feel pain. The God who loves me beyond my comprehension reminds me in Romans 5: 3-4...."Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us"
So we Keep the Faith through life's trials and tribulations, knowing that there is a reason, a purpose, a greater plan than we can even imagine. We don't always know why when we are in the midst of that suffering, but when we are through it - on the other side - it all makes sense. It's about trust, faith, and belief.