This Sunday Greg is preaching on having Joy in the Midst of Suffering. I've known this concept well, being legally separated for nine years. The suffering of separation from whom I was united with as one, being alone, having a mountain of responsibility in terms of 2 kids, a career, simultaneous ministries to juggle, and family issues. I look back on those years with fondness because God was my constant companion, provider, confidant, and Lord. (Not in order of importance!)
This week however, has been different. I'm calling it Pain in the Midst of Suffering. I seem to be handling the heat well, but the backaches, sinus headaches, allergies, muscle pains, and joint pains have me a little distracted. But, I do also have joy in the midst of the suffering, as I am thankful for the work, for the privilege of working alongside Greg and the time together that allows us to talk about ministry, for flexible work hours, for the exercise, the farmer tan, the muscle tone, and the weight loss. Sleep, a humidifier, and Tylenol seem to be my helpmates this week, for which I am also thankful. And thankfulness, can ease any burden.
What is your pain this week? Is it emotional or physical? Is it a person? :-) Know that Christ will meet all your needs and joy comes from the Lord. Pain and suffering are only temporary to those who know Him.
Have a blessed sunny Thursday.
Showing posts with label joy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label joy. Show all posts
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Favorite Verses
Yesterday I decided to read some of James. I didn't know how far I would get, but I just love that book of the Bible. I started at 1:2, and once again was reminded how much I love the beginning of this book. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
This verse has several things I love. The first is 'pure joy'. Anything pure is without blemish, perfect, 100%. Consider it pure joy, means there is no room for any thoughts about your trial other than joy. It's hard to wrap our heads around being happy about a trial, but that's what we're told to do.
The second is that trials come in many kinds. There's variety. Each trial has a purpose. Sometimes our trial is dealing with grief, sometimes stress about finances or job or other things that threaten our security. Sometimes it's dealing with conflict in relationships with others. I find this one the most difficult, because you can't control the other person, how they react, or what they do.
The third is that these trials test our faith. Our reaction to trials should be to be thankful for the trial, pray about it to see what God wants us to do about it, and leave the worry and concern the Master's feet. Faith is trusting God with the outcome.
Fourth, by practicing our faith repeatedly develops perseverance in us. We persevere when we don't give up. We have faith and hope in the only one who can make everything turn out all right.
And lastly, when we continue to persevere through these trials, we become mature and complete. There's a peace within us. When you think of the mature Christians around you, aren't they the ones who are at peace, joyful no matter what, have faith, and keep going? Aren't those you know who are always stressed and going through lots of trials the ones who you know are going through the proccess of maturity?
If we learn to put this scripture into practice when we face difficulties and do it consistently, our reactions to these things will be more peaceful.
How do you approach trials? What are your favorite verses?
This verse has several things I love. The first is 'pure joy'. Anything pure is without blemish, perfect, 100%. Consider it pure joy, means there is no room for any thoughts about your trial other than joy. It's hard to wrap our heads around being happy about a trial, but that's what we're told to do.
The second is that trials come in many kinds. There's variety. Each trial has a purpose. Sometimes our trial is dealing with grief, sometimes stress about finances or job or other things that threaten our security. Sometimes it's dealing with conflict in relationships with others. I find this one the most difficult, because you can't control the other person, how they react, or what they do.
The third is that these trials test our faith. Our reaction to trials should be to be thankful for the trial, pray about it to see what God wants us to do about it, and leave the worry and concern the Master's feet. Faith is trusting God with the outcome.
Fourth, by practicing our faith repeatedly develops perseverance in us. We persevere when we don't give up. We have faith and hope in the only one who can make everything turn out all right.
And lastly, when we continue to persevere through these trials, we become mature and complete. There's a peace within us. When you think of the mature Christians around you, aren't they the ones who are at peace, joyful no matter what, have faith, and keep going? Aren't those you know who are always stressed and going through lots of trials the ones who you know are going through the proccess of maturity?
If we learn to put this scripture into practice when we face difficulties and do it consistently, our reactions to these things will be more peaceful.
How do you approach trials? What are your favorite verses?
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