Growing in Favor and Stature

(Hi readers! I just wrote an email to a friend, who is also enduring some chronic health issues. However, as I was writing it, it seemed to me that it could serve as an encouragement to others, who are going through rough seasons, not necessarily of illness, but of hard times, trials, difficult places in relationships, finances, or employment. Be encouraged by this Word to all of us, who endure long winter seasons.)


"Little by little, you are getting stronger. One of the things that I have had to look at, when analyzing my overall recovery/rebuilding process, is not looking at the day to day, but the year to year progression of strength. Like this: Feb 2007, I was in critical condition, scaring drs., confined to the premise of my home because leaving it would have set my adrenal glands off and landed me in the hospital (it wasn't a very good season physically), barely any strength to walk around the house, etc., life hanging by a thread. Almost exactly one year later, Feb. 2008, get this, now (this is how the Lord works), I am sitting on a stage singing opera! Yes, I was still weak and had to sit, but I was in a play for crying out loud! Summer 2007, little more strength, but couldn't travel, summer 2008, I'm FLYING to TN! See?

When you have chronic health issues, you have to look at the overall picture. The Lord grew in wisdom and stature and favor with both God and men (Lk. 2:42), He didn't just come to earth, born of Mary all suited up with miraculous power, wisdom, etc...He had to grow from year to year. And if He had to grow in strength, the only perfect Man who ever lived, then by golly, that's how we're going to have to live, ya know?

Anyway, let that encourage you! Look at the years of your (trials), and see how you've come from one year to the next...don't look at the day to day, because that can get a little discouraging for those of us with chronic illness (or struggles), cuz, quite frankly, we can't see or feel hardly any difference...until we adopt God's vantage point of the big picture. Don't only look at the progression of your physical health, though, but also look at the growth of your character and how you've grown in the person that you are! The heartaches and joys we face in the day to day process of suffering are priceless treasures that can only come through trials! That's why James says "count is all joy when you face trials and tribulations" (ref. Jms. 1:2), because what is being molded in you is an incredible treasure chest of wonder and glory from the Father alone! And if it's of God, you know it has to be unimaginably wonderful, right?

Sorry for getting on a little of a soap box, but that just bubbled out of me as I was writing to you! Let this encourage you; it's a Word from your Father, Who loves you and has called you to a divine and awesome purpose. You may not see what it is, but HE does! And it is so so good! He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all you could ever dare to hope ask or think! And those of us, who have been called to a walk a road of suffering are in good company! Look at Job, Joseph, Ruth, Daniel, Jeremiah, Paul, and above all, Jesus! Their lives were comprised of suffering, and their rewards were immeasurably great! In fact, the Lord included their stories in the Bible, His WORD to use as examples to not only help His people fight the good fight of faith, but to also be used in the very book/letter that shows us who He is! WOW! Isn't that incredible?!

You hang in their, friend! I don’t know what God has in store for you, but if you keep walking, keep rejoicing, keep persevering, you will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Blessings, friend, and have a wonderful week!

Jenness"