In Colossians, we find the Apostle Paul imprisoned in Rome (his first imprisonment) and writing to the Church in Colossae with the help of his Disciple Timothy. In Colossians 1:11, Paul challenges us to be strengthened in the power & glorious might of God, so that we may have endurance and patience, with joy. Let’s think about that for a moment … Paul, sitting in a dank, dark prison cell, is so filled with the joy of the Lord, that he challenges us to endure, patiently and rejoice in the Lord.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit, the last (2) years have been nothing but challenging for me, medically. In fact, since June of last of year, I’ve been in a perpetual battle with my health. First a concussion, that led to concussive syndrome. That concussion led to the discovery of a large mass on my thyroid gland, with high probability of cancer. I then suffered from an emergent cardiac event that put me in the hospital, where I almost slipped into cardiac arrest. After months of testing & diagnosis, both for my thyroid & heart, I learned I had irreparable heart damage and thyroid cancer. Eventually, I had surgery to remove 2/3 of my thyroid, and then recently relapsed back into an unstable heart condition and hypothyroidism, secondary to the cancer. Just when I wasn’t sure it could get much worse, I injured myself during Kajukenbo and now apparently have a torn rotator cuff that more than likely will require surgery. I will also require surgery in the next few months to repair my heart. If I’m being anything less than honest, it’s been hard to find the joy in this journey.

Yet, our God is good – always, all the time – and I find myself realizing he has a lesson for me in this medical journey. As I’ve learned from Romans 8:28 (And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His Purpose) God has a plan in purpose in ALL things. I’ve also come to realize, I’m terrible at patience, I like to whine when life is tough, and I REALLY struggle to find the joy in my trials & tribulations.

So, the lesson that God has been sharing with me over the last several days, through multiple church services, and now in today’s devotions is this – like the Apostle Paul, despite my circumstances, I can always find a blessing. I know God loves me, I know He has called me to a purpose and is building my character for that purpose. I see Him working through these trials & tribulations, to teach me perseverance, patience, and to find my joy in Him, knowing He is in control of ALL things. These struggles shall soon pass, yet my joy in a loving father and His forever lasting inheritance, will never fade.

I pray that my journey might be an encouragement to others, I ask that the light of Jesus shines through my eyes, and more than anything, I pray that I can find the joy knowing I will spend an eternity in the arms of a loving Father.

So I ask you this question – can you find endurance & patience in your struggles? Or, do they knock you down and take the wind out of you?

-shawn