My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:2-4)
What if we really did count it all joy? In a message from a friend yesterday, I was reminded "what if we really counted it all joy... what would He do?? What kind of a witness would we be for Him if we lived in that freedom of not worrying about a thing."
Our human hearts experience sadness, happiness - we exist in a time where most of what the world throws at us is painful. There seems to always be a trap door at the bottom of the well of sorrows, adding just one more. My life is no different than anyone's. I have a small circle of friends that has the privilege (or the chore) of listening to those painful occurrences that you experience. I generally turn my pain into a positive through my writing. Being slammed up against the wall with disappointments and problems is never pleasant. But...what if???
Each day we are faced with new problems, but we always have the same solution available to us. We have Jesus! Having faith sometimes is all we have, and it's more than enough. We have a promise from the King! In that promise lies our solution to every problem we encounter! What a gift!
So...that paycheck that you thought would be big enough to cover the repairs on the car that came up short...count it joy! He will bless you with all that you need. Those plans that you made that ended up not getting off the ground...count it joy! There is something more beautiful waiting for you that has yet to be revealed. The sharp-tempered words from a parent or spouse...count it joy! There is love written in each of them that you have yet to discover. That friend who has let you down again...count it joy! Jesus will never let you down! He is there, right there with you through all of it. He guides your steps and molds and shapes your heart. He is shaping it into His most perfect tool. Share His greatest sorrow, which becomes our greatest joy...His death and resurrection has become the promise for us, our debt is paid! God has provided for you! It WILL be enough. He has blessed you and cares for you each and every day...count it ALL joy!!!
(Image: "Count It All Joy" © Ruth Palmer - http://www.redbubble.com/people/ruthpalmer)
