Count it ALL Joy!

I have ridden some emotional waves in my life. It might have been because of one of my children being very sick or a flat tire or an automobile accident. It might have been that there were expenses that far outweighed the funds to cover them. It might have been the passing of a loved one or a friend let me down.

What we want during those times are for someone – anyone – to empathize with us – to tell us it’s gonna’ be alright – that this too will pass – that God wouldn’t put more upon us than what we can bear! I’m sure you know what I mean!

And the very last thing we want to hear at times like that are these words:
“Consider it PURE JOY, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4

WHAT? Count troubles as pure joy? What turnip truck did you just fall off? That makes no sense at all. But, sometimes what seems no sense, is exactly what God wants us to embrace. He wants us to make sense of His words that can turn the cloudiest of days and darkest nights into perfect sense.

Sometimes, God allows trials to test the genuineness of our faith. To reveal its strength and depth. Our trials, though incredibly confusing and painful, initiate a process that teaches perseverance. Perseverance that deepens and matures our faith in ways nothing else can.

God also promises that on the other side of our trials, we’ll be more than a conqueror through Christ who loves us. Did you notice? Not a mere conqueror … but MORE than a conqueror. (Romans 8:37) Not in our own strength. In Christ’s strength.

My life is living proof of this truth. Not only has God healed me from so many negatives, fears, concerns, and woes, He turned all the negative stuff into a beautiful testimony that paved the way to the calling God placed on my life. He gave me messages out of my messes. Every day I see myself as a victor and overcomer.

And, by the way, as I look back now, I have come to know that in the middle of every battle, God never left me alone. His Holy Spirit comforted, strengthened and equipped me every step of the way.

The Holy Spirit and the power of the One True God lives inside His children. (1 Corinthians 3:16) This is the same power that parted the Red Sea … the same power that raised Jesus from the dead!

Let’s let that seep into the marrow of our bones. When we feel inadequate, fearful, paralyzed by anxiety, powerless, hopeless — we can remember God’s Holy Spirit works powerfully in and through us to overcome through inexplicable, life-transforming ways.

I learned to sing, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” And really meant it. The Holy Spirit enabled me to move from “victim” to victor. And the Holy Spirit will enable YOU in whatever you’re facing today!

As God washed these truths over me, He has His automatic “washer” ready to wash these truths over you. Our trials cannot separate us from God, AND with God, in His power, if we continue to look to Him and trust Him, God will use all that stuff to mold us into the men and women of God that He created us to be.

Please take this blog to heart today! God IS our strength. We can trust in Him, we CAN count it ALL joy and be JOY-full and FULL of JOY!