Back on the 4th of July I sprained my ankle quite badly, it actually popped. Needless to say, I’ve had to stop my 3 day a week running schedule, and just when I had built up to 3+ miles at a time. Frustration/suffering seems to be part and parcel of being an inhabitant of planet Earth. How are we going to react when these inevitable setbacks occur? Griping, bitterness and complaining are always the old standbys, and they may even help for a while, especially when you receive sympathy, but no one can stand a complainer for long. So, back to the drawing board. How is it possible to make bad situations good? Remember Kerri Strug, from the 1992 Olympics? She was a member of the USA gymnastic team, that was in 2nd place. Kerri’s performance could change that into a 1st place standing with a perfect jump. On her first attempt she seriously sprained her ankle and could barely stand. A hush fell over the crowd, what was she going to do next? Her coach, the famous Bela Karolyi, picked up her tiny injured body, and reminded her that she could still do it. He didn’t say it would be easy, or that she would be pain-free, but he told her to keep her eyes on him, and not on the suffering. The rest is Olympic history as she ran, jumped and landed perfectly despite the injury. Take note of what St. Paul, a man well acquainted with annoying situations, reminds us, “And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:2-5. Never doubt; God knows our pain and frustration, but he, like that coach, knows what the end results will be as long as we keep our focus on Him. Are you in a painful place? Do you believe this promise? It is your choice; suffering can make you bitter, or it can, and will, make you better.
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