Being Thankful During Trials

“I thank God for my handicaps for through them I have found myself, my work, and my God.” ~Helen Keller

This is one of my favorite quotes that always inspires me. Every time I read it I am reminded once again that God does use our so called “handicaps” whatever they may be to mature us, and grow us closer to Him. Helen was a remarkable woman who did not let her struggles of being blind and deaf define her life. Instead of drowning in self-pity she allowed her disability to make her stronger, and it became a blessing in many ways rather than a curse.

I can relate to this in my own life. Growing up with Cerebral Palsy, I have dealt with numerous challenges throughout my life, and recently been reminded of those challenges more than ever. However, as I look back on the struggles I have had, I am thankful for them because they have helped mold me into the woman I am today. Even though my life has been hard at times, it has been during those struggles that I have truly matured and most importantly grown closer to Jesus! Some of my biggest revelations in life have come in part to the struggles I have dealt with. Do I believe that Jesus rejoices in the suffering of His children? No, but I do believe that He will work everything out for His good, and will use our experiences to glorify Himself (Romans 8:28).

We all have our own set of “handicaps” we struggle with, and it is often hard to have a good perspective. Recently, that has been difficult for me. However, the Lord has reminded me of His faithfulness throughout my entire life, and no matter what He allows in this life I can find joy because He is my Savior. It is not about me and my desires but about Him and His.

Once we drop the selfish attitude is when we start to learn from what He is doing whether it is good or bad. No matter what struggle you are facing right now be encouraged that God does love you and wants to work in you. He can make something good come out of the crappiest of days. So just like our friend Helen Keller take some time to “thank God for our handicaps for through them we can find ourselves, our work, and our God.”