Romans 5:1-5 New Living Translation (NLT)

Faith Brings Joy

1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace^[a] with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. ² Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

³ We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. ⁴ And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.⁵ And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

What does the above say to you?  While I was talking to a young lady about depression and anxiety and other ailments of mental illness the next sentence came with a loud BOOM.  Have you ever considered your illness a blessing instead of a curse ?  While we were talking and I was hearing her describe what she wanted to do once she became an adult gave me chills.  There is no way she could do what she wanted to do if she has not lived in the world of mental illness.  NO way !  To administer love, empathy, kindness to one that is like-minded one must know what they are talking about.  Right?  Would you want someone to talk to you if they had no personal knowledge of what you are walking through ? I would not.  We may not walk the same exact path but we are on the same trail… Right ?  For my depression and anxiety are not triggered like yours are. However; we are both struggling.

Honestly, I still struggle… I am struggling as I write this.  However, I am doing my best to see the blessing in this mess called mental illness.  I firmly believe what the above scripture states… Endurance develops character and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.  I lost sight of my Creator The Lord Almighty… God had had enough of that with me and made a decision. His decision to allow me to suffer for a while has brought me back to Him 100%.  So is that a blessing or a curse ?   I say BLESSING !  Spiritually I am so much more content; However, my flesh still struggles. The main difference now is that I turn to God for rest and reassurance. I turn to my friends that I know will pray for me.  It might take me a minute to get to that point but now it is not a 6 month ordeal.  Took me 6 months to realize what was going on.  I needed God and a closer relationship with him.  It took time…was not over night success!  I had to calm the demons in my head and I chose to do that by medicine. Once I medially got healed I was able to focus my energy on my spiritual relationship.  I thank God everyday that He created people that are so much smarter than I am that was able to invent medicine to heal the body.  Thank you God for doing that! I probably would have been lost forever if it were not for that Creation.

What are your thoughts – Blessing or a Curse ?

Can you fathom the Blessing today of the path you are on?   Share your thoughts of the path you are on.