James 1:2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

I was chosen. Called and set apart by God.  I don’t know why God chose me, but I am honored He considered me for this trial.  I know that God did not select me because I could handle the situation but it was through God’s grace that I survived.

So I ask myself where is the joy in my painful situation? The first thing my experiences have taught me comes directly from the scripture, perseverance.  I didn’t know how strong I was until I was tested.

My experiences have shown me how to connect myself to the source of my strength which is the Father. There were times I walked right into abuse and I left unscathed because of His grace.

I have also learned how to conduct myself when facing opposition.  The natural me wanted to stand up and defend myself.  There were even times I wanted to fight back, but we must learn the battle is not ours.  I had to come to a point where I allowed God to have total control. With God in charge I began to learn and accept His nature which is to show love even when faced with hostility and hatred. Now I can handle any of lives obstacles because God is on my side.

We serve a just God so even though I had to preserve, He was gracious enough to provide deliverance. The reality is that some people don’t get deliverance from their situation on this side of heaven. Thank you, Father for allowing my hardship to only be temporary.  Better days are always on the other side of our situation. I am fortunate that I have been able to witness and take hold of these moments my Father had waiting for me.

I am a survivor so that means I have a testimony. If weak Katrina can make it through abuse and trauma then so can others. My ability to overcome was not by my strength but by the power of God.  Don’t rely on yourself to make it through. Hold on to the faith and trust the bright future God has planned.

So yes God has brought me so much joy in my trials but He used man to teach me a lesson as well. I learned a few things about the character of man. I learned that those who you expect to be with you will walk away without warning. People will say that they are on your side but quickly run away when trouble comes. But be confident that good people do exist and God will send you those people. Don’t be afraid to accept support from others. God created us to be relational. I am learning to share and connect with people who are just willing to listen. I have started developing new relationships and severing those toxic ones that are beyond repair.

So I say thank you for this trial God. You have shown me the character of God, my character and the character of others. I didn’t like going through but I love the fact that I am an overcomer. I also like that I am developing into a stronger and better person.