AnnetteSimone

I had a very troubled childhood and adolescence (ill-treatment by mother and siblings). In my loneliness and isolation I turned to God because He was the only one left! I learnt to pray often and fervently (usually, I'm afraid, through gritted-teeth, so "with joy" is a new concept). As an adult I find I have been given a "gift" that helps me to identify, and minister to, people who are suffering emotional and spiritual suffering; as one of my spiritual advisors explained it "out of your brokenness you can bring healing, a seed has to die before it can bring forth grain"!

Just an observation. Stress is often a "growth point" where God is calling you to move to a new stage in your life. It is frequently painful, like giving birth, but fruitful if responded to with a spirit of acceptance. It often requires walking out in Faith with no clear idea of where the path is going but trusting that the way is secure. The comment about Van Gogh in another post reminded me of his remark, "I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it." I think God challenges us in stress filled situations to learn more about Him, and develop new life skills!