Joy in the Journey

 

James 1:2 NIV

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds

This week was a trying week.  I faced many challenges, test, and trials.  I'll admit that it did not feel joyous, but as someone said I looked for glimpses of Jesus throughout my day.  At the end of the day I thank God for getting me through the day and I thanked Him for the small victories He handed me along the way.  I thanked Him for the rest He wove in between my weariness.  I thanked Him for the opportunities to poor into someone else and be filled in the process.

I was not a perfect week.  I dealt with frustration, but I trusted in God.  That's the joy.  Having my faith muscles flexed as I depend and rely completely on Him to see me through.  The joy I feel today even though I still have test before me is invigorating.  The trial is not joyous, but knowing Jesus is with you every step of the way is joyous.  The enemy thought He had me, but God said no.  Hallelujah.

I do not know what you are going through or how long, but I do know that God is faithful.  Call out to Him and know that He hears you and that He will answer.  You can trust Him.  He did it for me, He will do it for you.  In fact, yesterday I looked at a bird feeding himself on whatever he found in my yard and my mind went the word. Matthew 6:26 -Look at the birds in of the air; the do no sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? I said to myself God takes care of them, He will take care of me.

Lord, thank You.  Thank you for the strength and faith to endure the test.  Help me to remember that trials have a purpose and that i will come out on the other side if I keep my hand in Yours and trust You.  Thank You for all the ways You show up.  In Jesus name. Amen