Hello Kathryn,

We are deep into the dog days of summer. If you read the headlines, our country is experiencing record temperatures. Our family went out to dinner last week to celebrate my birthday and we ate outside. Our two oldest daughters had to walk to the bathroom multiple times to cool down because they could not take the heat. My husband and I were looking at each other saying it is not that hot.

What we realized is that we had just sat through Louisiana heat the week before with our daughter as she and her team won the 10 U Dixie Softball World Series. Let me just say, once you have sat outside for 10 hours in 102-degree heat, 3 hours in 95-degree heat is a cake walk. It seems that we were conditioned in Louisiana and somehow our internal barometer was reset.

Along my journey as a Christian, I have faced many trials and in hindsight I see that trials I faced in the past conditioned me for the trials I face right now. Early in our marriage my husband and I had many fireworks to say the least. However, God performed a miracle in our marriage, and we will celebrate 17 years in a few months. I am learning that my marriage trial conditioned me for the current trial that I am in right now. I am going through a hard thing at this very moment but looking back, my previous trials have conditioned me for endurance.

I have been conditioned not to run when the going gets tough.

I have been conditioned that just because it hurts, and I cry does not mean that it is God’s will for my escape.

I have been conditioned that if I do not grow weary in well doing there is a due season that will come, and I will reap a harvest if I faint not.

I have been conditioned to believe that God allows these trails in my life to strengthen my faith and I often do not strengthen my faith when things are going my way.

If you are in a trial like I am right now, remember our struggles are never wasted. God has a purpose in all our trials. He will work them for our good and for His Glory. Remember to learn and allow your Spirit to be disciplined and conditioned, because as they say in the fitness world… No pain no gain!

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory! 2 Corinthians 4:17

Until next time!