...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
Several years ago, I went through one of the toughest periods in my life - I got a divorce.
Prior to the actual divorce I can recall the pain and agony I felt leading up to it. You see, I was in a relationship that was spiraling out of control - mentally abusive and full of adultery.
During that time, I remember feeling like I would never see the light at the end of the tunnel. It seemed as if happiness had left my life, never to return.
The feeling of pain was so overwhelming, I felt as if I were trapped. That if I suffocated, it would be relief in comparison to the emotional hold that had taken hold of me.
Than I remembered that during that time, while I was so focused on myself and so focused on my pain, that even then God was all around me. God provided me with the best of friends, the best support, the best church, the best that I'd ever heard of His word...All there for me, to let me know that in spite of my situation, if I would just wait patiently and endure the test that was before me that He had something so great for me on the other side.
I had a wonderful friend at the time, who would come by and make me get out of bed everyday, make me get dressed, cook for me and speak life into me. She would sit by me and read God's word to me and smile and comfort me, even when I couldn't smile.
"Count it all joy!" She would say to me and I could never really understand what this was all about. I could never really understand what the apostle James meant with this scripture.
I thought, how can you be joyful, when you are going through what I thought then, would be the worst time of my life?
As I sit here today, I finally get what God wanted me to get. When we go through the trials of life don't be moved by what it is that you see. In all things give God praise because although what you see what your eyes may not look great - count it all joy.
When we stand in the storm, not moved, not wavering, holding on to God's promises, we can count it all joy.
Joy because while we were going through it, God was developing us. Joy because when we come out of it, we will be a much more mature believer. Joy because we can share our experience with someone else to help them get through. Joy because God is in control over all things and I shall not be moved by what my eyes can see.
Puts me in the mind of the movie "The Matrix." The things of the spiritual world -while we can't see those things, we know they are there. Meanwhile, we exist in this world, going from day to day thinking that the things we see here will last forever.
I remind myself that even these things are temporal, not lasting. So is the test, the trial, the pain you may be facing. It's all temporary, but God's love is forever.
Whatever issue you may be facing, be encouraged and count it all joy! God wants you to come out of that situation victorious, so that He can bless you with something greater!
Blessings,
Tina
Tina Johnson
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
During the middle of the night, my daughter, will at times cough or rustle in her bed causing some commotion as she sleeps. This always alerts my husband and he usually jumps out of bed to her rescue faster than I can. He’s right there for her to make sure everything is okay, and then we all go back to peaceful rest.
God reminded me that this is how He is with us. He is always there when we need Him, running to our rescue and providing us with love and comfort.
John 3:16 is one of the most popular scriptures in the christian bible and is quoted often times by many people. I even recall seeing it on some of the WWF wrestling matches, as someone in the crowd would hold up the sign that had the scripture number written.
It is the scripture we all cling to as a reminder of what God has done for us, but do we take for granted what He really did for us? Mel Gibson did it best when he brought a re-enactment of Jesus’ death to camera, to allow us to visualize what God’s love and sacrifice for us really looked like.
I only wish he would have taken it one step further to show how He suffered for 3 days in hell before rising again, so that we wouldn’t have to.
God is telling us that He really does love us and there are no conditions on His love for us. Whether you believe in His love or not, He’s still right there for us, desiring for us to allow Him a place in our hearts and in our lives.
God is such a gentleman that He won’t force Himself on us, yet, He’s there to come in if we choose to allow Him to.
I pray that as you continue to go through life’s hills and valleys that you make the choice to take God’s love with you. There is no one better to heal you of your past, all of your hurt and your pain than the true love of God.
If you desire to make Him Lord of your life, open your mouth and confess:
Dear God, I come to you in the name of Jesus and I believe you died for my sins, rose from the grave and are alive forever. I confess my sins to you and I open the door of my heart and life, receiving you, Jesus as my Savior and Lord. Thank you for saving me – Amen.
Blessings,
Tina
Tina Johnson
