I wonder what would be the condition of my faith if I always got what I wanted.

If I never felt the sting of rejection. If I never experienced the pain and sadness or tragedy and loss of a good, hard ordinary life.

Would I ever turn and run to Jesus for comfort and love and solace???

Or would I more than likely prop myself up on my own strength and capabilities??

Believing I must have it all figured out…

Because look!! Look at my wonderful life!! Look at all my success!!

If I’m being honest, it’s my pain that draws me near to the quiet, loving Way who whispers, “I’m here, sweetheart. You’re okay. It’s going to be okay. Hand it over, My darling. I’ll carry it for you. Again.”

So, I do. I hand it all to Him. Again.

And in my pain, I’m reminded of my weaknesses. My shortcomings. My constant need for Him.

He is just as present in my success, I know. He carries that, too.

But I forget.

I forget to look. Feel. Pray. And need.

Pain is different.

It hurts.

Life can be SO hard, sometimes.

But it’s in my pain that I’m reminded of His ridiculous, unending, unfailing love.

And I remember to let Him carry me.