Consider it Joy!
The last 3.5 years have been filled with trials. Just when it seemed like we were in the depths of them, it continued to get worse.
We received results from doctors in 2012 with a devastating infertility diagnosis. A few months later my husband had to move to Georgia and we navigated a new normal of a long distance relationship. When he moved back our infertility journey resumed, but then the unimaginable happened and our world came crashing down in March of 2014 when my 2.5 year old nephew passed away.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever 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. James 1:2-4
I have always loved this verse, but it took on a whole new meaning over the past 3.5 years. I know our trials are nothing compared to what some people have walked. But, our pain is real to us. As my husband and I pray and wait for the Lord to heal our bodies and expand our family with children we have grown desperately dependent on Him. He has continued to teach us so much, including having a new perspective on being thankful. We have always tried to stay positive, but we now have a true understanding of what it is to consider it pure joy when facing trials. He has created in us such a thankful heart. Not only realizing how blessed we are: healthy marriage, wonderful friends, good jobs, sweet family and the list goes on and on, but, how sweet He is while we are in the midst of a difficult time.
God has reminded us in this journey that He doesn’t want us to praise Him when things are easy, but He wants us to praise Him when things are difficult too. He has a specific purpose for us in each day. He is with us while we wait. His heart is for us to be refined to be more like Him, but he leaves the choice up to us. Will you run to Him and praise Him in the storm or will you choose to let bitterness and anger rise up and run away? If you are in the middle of a storm I encourage you to praise Him. Declare praises out loud. Thank Him for what you have instead of focusing on what you want. Remember God’s delays are not God’s denials. Praise Him not for what He does, but for who He is and trust that He is good. Spend time in worship and praise and soon your focus will move from your problems to His faithfulness.
