When Hardship Is a Privilege

Ginny’s beloved daughter Stephenie died shortly after her 20th birthday.(1) 

In 2012, Ginny’s husband Steve suffered a serious debilitating spinal cord injury.

Recently, Ginny and Steve discovered that Steve and some of their children and grandchildren have a challenging genetic disease.

These difficulties bring limitations, stress, and disappointment, but I've never seen Ginny waver in her faith.

Shortly after doctors confirmed that their family carried this genetic disorder, Ginny felt God speak to her through Matthew 25:23: “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities.” 

Most of us don't see our hardships as increased opportunities to glorify God, but my friend Ginny isn't like most of us.(2)

I'm thankful for souls like Ginny.

She has strengthened my faith through her testimony, and she has comforted me in my troubles because of the comfort she herself has received (2 Corinthians 1:4).
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(1) Stephenie died suddenly of a brain arteriovenous malformation.
(2) Like Paul, Ginny's faith makes her trust God all the more in her suffering (2 Timothy 1:12). She understands that these difficulties are strengthening her faith (James 1:2-3).  

To read about Steve's incredible faith, read A Saint's Life. 

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