I know how hard it is to stay focused on Jesus when we are suffering physically, or grieving, or feeling total despair from being in a pit too long. But that is what we must do to get through what we are suffering.
It is just too easy to tell each other that Peter walked on water till he focused on the storm around him, instead of focusing on Jesus. Because we all forget that again, and again, and again. But that is what we must do.
He is right there with us, but we are focused on our troubles. We need to look to the cross and his suffering upon it for us in every storm we are in. His disciples focused on the problem of feeding a crowd. He fed that crowd.
I don't talk much about what I am going through. I have just been hurt too many times to ever open up to anyone but the Lord. And yes I know that is a major fault. But I can certainly pray fervently for you Lisa, and others that I love. The one drawback to our little church family here is that I can't bring you a meal. Or clean your home or do your grocery shopping. Or even bring you flowers even though that is what would be in my heart to do. Or most of all, just hug you tightly as I would my child.
Just remember you are never alone in your suffering. The Lord is right there with you. It is times like these that we have to make sure we are reading his word every single day. Even when we are feeling anger at Him. And pray !
I long for the day when my faith is so strong, I won't be going around that mountain anymore. Days like today where I have a migraine that has not let up since last night, and I have to visit a dying man in the hospital who is not saved, on top of back , neck, hip, and eye problems there is no end to. I just ask the Lord to hold my hand and lead me.
He never leaves us in a storm. He IS guiding us through it when we let him. He really is our shepherd.
And remember to put on the FULL armor of God. Every day

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P.S. A wise man once told me to always remember I am the clay in the Potter's hands. He will put me into the fire again and again. He will inspect me each time. One day He will pull me out to inspect after the fire, and he will smile because he finally sees his reflection looking back at him. I have never forgotten that.
And I never forget His suffering for me. Like children, we grow angry with our parents when we don't get what we want or we are disciplined. But focusing on His suffering on the cross, in every circumstance, reminds us of how GREAT his love for us really is.