A Shot in the arm

Hey,
Yesterday I had to have blood drawn. Why is it that some people draw blood without much pain, then there are people that make you feel like a vampire is sucking the life from you?
My wellness doctor wanted a special blood test done before my surgery, then in 3 months the test again to see where the cancer is, if anywhere else. So, I went to have the blood drawn, then sent off to California.
The lady that drew the blood was really nice, but I think she stabbed too deep and hit muscle. I actually have a bruise from yesterday's poke. It burned too, which I've never had. I was beginning to think she's damaged my arm. Thankfully after about an hour the pain went away. I accidentally bumped the poke hole today and it hurt. Not sure I want to go back in 3 months!
Because I had to have the blood drawn I couldn't have my supplements for seven days and my body was screaming at me. Thankfully I'm back on my supplements and the new one for cancer. It's to support my immune system to fight the cancer.
In our Sunday school class we're studying the book of James. It talks about perseverance. I guess that I feel that's where I'm at in all of this.
Chapter 1: 2 tells us to consider it pure joy whenever we face trials of many kinds. Why? Because (vs.3) you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
So the question I need to ask myself, do I have joy? As I think about this whole cancer situation, I realize that I do have joy. Not about cancer, but about the Lord holding me close, knowing what I'm going through and being with me through this trial. He has found me worthy of this trial.
I looked up perseverance in the dictionary and it says: the quality of being persistent; a continuing in a state of grace leading to a state of glory. Isn't that just the coolest thing? It's all positive stuff: quality, state of grace; leading to a state of glory. Sometimes it really pays to look up words to find out their definition :)))).
I then looked up persevere. It says: to try hard and continuously in spite of obstacles and difficulties. I know that I'm not the only person on the planet fighting obstacles and difficulties. Many people who are, are resting in the Lord's care and provision. But, what about those who aren't? Do they have peace and joy in the midst of the storm? Do you when troubles come your way?
So, how do we persevere and gain the glory? For me it's deciding that I will trust the Lord for what I'm going through. He's Sovereign and knows what's best for me. He promises to help us when we are obedient and surrendered and I'm trying really hard to be those things.
It's choosing to trust and believe that His will is perfect and good for me and for me to look for what I can learn from all of this. You do realize that sometimes the trials we go through are also for the people around us, don't you?
If you were to spend the day with me, but I couldn't see or hear you (a fly on the wall) you would hear me tell the Lord: I trust you Lord, even though I can't see, hear or at this time know what's going to happen. Work your divine will dear Father; Your will is perfect.
I'm not perfect in this trial, but I am trusting in my perfect Father, who is trust worthy.

Trusting in the trials,
Sandy