Dear hardtimes,

I believe there is a reason why I'm going through this and that God allowed this experience in my life to draw me closer to Him. I know that He wants me to draw on His infinite strength instead of my own. In His strength, all things are possible. Where I am weak, He is strong.

Also, God makes all things work together for good (even bad circumstances) because He loves us.

For me, I believe the question to ask should not be "Do I deserve this suffering?" Instead, I need to ask "What is God trying to teach me through this?" or "How can my circumstances be used for good?" In watching the CNN Heroes program last weekend, I was inspired by a young man who lost his legs in a boating accident and while he was still recovering in the hospital, he began a program to provide prosthetic limbs to children in need. He turned his hardship into an opportunity to help others. I'm trying to keep him in mind whenever I feel angry or sad about my condition.

I'm really sorry you're going through this and pray you find comfort, hope, and healing soon.

Don