I didn't sign up for this!

Today as I read my morning devotional, I came across some perfect advice for putting things in perspective.  If you are a Crohn's patient or suffer from any illness, it can difficult to have a positive perspective on things all the time.  There are several times when I look at someone else's seemingly easy and carefree life and think to myself...I didn't sign up for this!  My life is not what I had in mind for myself!  I get in a self-pity mood, and I am consumed by thoughts of "why me?" and "I'm too young to have to deal with medical bills, watching what I eat, blah blah blah."  You get the picture.

As I read the devotional, the verse of the day was "You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good ..." Genesis 50:20a (NLT)  Throughout all the trials and tribulations I have been through the past five years, I have seen this verse come to life for me.  The Crohn's disease that intended to harm me and is slowly killing my insides, can be viewed as a blessing in disguise.  Through my disease, I have grown stronger in my faith.  I have been able to mentor other people going through a difficult time and lift them up in their times of struggle.  Crohn's has blessed me with several new relationships and has allowed me to raise awareness and funding for research that may not have been raised otherwise.  Crohn's has most importantly given me a platform to share my faith with others who might not otherwise hear about the love and grace of God.  This is the best blessing of all!

Continuing to read, the story of Joseph was revealed.  This story is about a young man who was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, and then eventually put into prison for being falsely accused of raping the Master's wife.  Joseph could have had the perspective, "I didn't sign up for this!" but he didn't.  Instead he kept his focus on the goodness of the Lord and eventually was named Governor. 

I love how this story portrays how we should behave when things don't go our way.  Though it is hard, Joseph provides a great example of keeping focused on the Lord and leaning on his promises.

My hope for you today, is that you can find renewed strength from someone else's positive example.  If Joseph can stay focused on God and be blessed by his love, then so can I.  This may not be the life that I would have chosen for myself, but I'm not sure I would change my experiences.  They make me who I am today, and I'm thankful for them.

Romans 8:28, "We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose." (HCSB)