God shines at the lowest moments

So I always hit my emotional lows on the long stretch without my kids, I could almost set a clock to it.  Yesterday was a tough afternoon after having been surrounded all weekend by the love of friends at quilt retreat.  Last night before bed, I pulled out my Bible and was flipping through it looking for a place to just read to settle my mind.  The back of my Bible has a list of recommended readings with themes in alphabetical order, which seemed like a good place to start.  When the first theme was listed as Acceptance, I knew I was in the right place :o)

Here is the verse that was listed first in that section:

Romans 15

New International Version (NIV)

15 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”[a] 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

I cannot tell you how many people have told me during the past 2 months how "strong" I am.  So this verse really hit home for me.  God purposefully gave me strength, as He knew I would need that emotional reservoir to get through this difficult journey.  And He is asking me to use it to help with the failings of my ex-husband, in order to help build him up.  God is encouraging me to continue on the path I'm on, rather than follow my baser instincts and dwell in the hate.

It continually amazes me how even when I'm struggling through my days, God is walking along with me.  He always knows exactly what to say to me to lift the load.