We cannot run from suffering if we commit to walk with Christ. It's a lesson in love that I come back to daily and it's one I fall more in love with as we continue to walk, too.
January 2019 rolled around and I was a new mama to Callan who was just a month old at the time. We were piled high with law school loans and brand-new baby expenses. I stayed home with Cal in a new-to-me city and Matt went off to a job he greatly despised—with long hours and laughable pay.
In February, I had an overnight stay in the hospital and come March, Callan was admitted to the hospital for ten days. We felt like our world was crumbling around us—we were exhausted, money was tight, and the anxiety of how we'd possibly get through it all was crippling.
Amidst the chaos of learning to be new parents and navigating physical suffering and mental stress, we experienced an abiding acceptance of His will for us. It was, for a while, a "grit your teeth and bear it" kind of acceptance. Yet as we leaned into the chaos, it became evident that all would be for our good and His glory.
"Therefore, do not throw away your confidence; it will have great recompense" (Hebrews 10:35). Abiding acceptance became a true joy for us—we could suffer deeply and still walk alongside Him towards eternity. The paradox!
Our faith journeys will not be without suffering. If we look to the Cross, we know this: as followers of Christ, we will encounter deep pain and worldly uncertainty. He did not promise that this Way would be easy, but that He would be with us through it all.
Sister, let us not draw back and perish because of the suffering we encounter in this life. Let us, instead, be among those who have faith and keep our eyes fixed on this walk with Him to eternal life!
In the uncertainty, He is certain.
In the uncertainty, He is certain. // Shalini BlubaughClick to tweet
Consider someone in your life who could use some extra support on her journey. Reach out with a text or call today.
Shalini Blubaugh is a Minnesota transplant living in Coppell, Texas. She served with NET Ministries and went on to graduate with her J.D., though happily left all things law behind. Along with her roles as wife and mom, she now runs her own company, Pray. Train. Grow., as a Certified Fitness Trainer and Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. Her mission is to help Catholic women grow STRONG in mind, body, and heart through the integration of Faith, fitness and food.
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