Affliction vs. Comfort

"I think our prayers are unbalanced—in the direction of just physical needs. We can and should pray for people with infirmities—but it might be wise to change the emphasis of our prayers from physical healing alone to God accomplishing His purposes in and through afflictions."

This quote touches me, as I recollect the darkest times in my life as those that drew me closest to God. I wouldn't give those times up - the unimaginable pain of having my husband walk out on our marriage, the loss felt due to a miscarriage, the betrayal by a friend, the daily grind of ministering as a mother... these times help me draw nearer to God by bringing me to my knees. In those times, I've felt His very real presence, heard His voice, felt Him molding my character... experienced HIM. May I surrender more and more, that I may experience God face to face - even if that means walking through the desert of life. I'd rather that, than to live a life of comfort, deceived by false feelings of self-sufficiency.