Revelation

So I've been dealing with some subtle yet bothersome health issues. The one bothering me the most is my voice being messed up for the past 16 months. As a singer/musician, this can be somewhat of a problem. Another issues is a chronic sinus problem I've had for the past 5 1/2 years or so, which might be contributing to my voice problems. But you probably knew all that (just a little background).
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I've gone to my primary doctor quite a few times, who has prescribed various sinus medications. We hadn't much looked into the voice problem specifically since I assumed it was related to the sinus problem. After she couldn't do any more, I started going to a holistic-type doctor who has put me on an incredibly strict diet for the past 2 months now. This has produced some results-- I have lost some weight, my digestive system is pretty good now (another of the issues), and my throat/voice hurts less... But the voice has only improved maybe 20% over 2 months. Not the amazing breakthrough I would have hoped for.
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Well, today I was listening to a Bible study on the radio by Cheryl Broderson, and she was talking about trials and how God uses them to mold us, etc. In listening to her expound on this in her usual clever and funny way, I was brought to the realization that I hadn't actually ever accepted this voice problem as a trial from God to work good in my life. What a revelation!! Duh. How this escaped me I do not know! Guess I'm not as smart as I thought.
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I had realized that God had allowed this problem in my life for a reason... But mostly thought of it in the negative. As in, this is bad, not good, and God is doing it because I am bad or something. As some form of punishment. I didn't really fully think that, but wondered. It never occurred to me to think of a trial as something good, that this would prepare me for the future and draw me closer to Him. I just thought it was painful and annoying, kind of like how we are thankful when we stub our toe on something hard (not!).
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So that is my revelation for the day. I don't know what will come of it (as though suddenly realizing the purpose of a trial will procure its end)-- but hopefully it will help me to be obedient to that most beloved passage of scripture: "My beloved brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-3)
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Thank You Jesus! :)
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