“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,” James 1:2
This morning I rolled out of bed to find a familiar friend waiting for me; one I believed I’d lost; one I had hoped had disappeared for good. My heart felt heavy with disappointment as I tried to make sense of the news I’d heard the prior day. Had I reached the tunnel of this long and difficult journey only to be thrown back thousands of feet to walk it again?
Only 5 days prior I had been rejoicing. An answer to many years of prayer was on the horizon, and in a simple email of less than 250 characters, it swirled down the toilet in an easy flush.
I’ve avoided the “why” questions to God; the “how can this be so” questions; the “really, God” responses which are common in disappointment. I’ve learned over the years and the many battles I’ve fought, to just be still. This isn’t my first rodeo, nor my last.
Not all prayers are answered in the way we ask. Sometimes, we have to be in the trial a little longer. But as I got out of bed, I found it hard to adhere to the verse in James. While I normally could stare that storm in the face with words of hope and strength, this morning I found it hard to even step forward.
Maybe you’ve been there? Maybe you are there?
But this is what I know – God’s promises are real and true. If He says we are not alone, I have to hold on to knowledge that He will never leave me or forsake me. And while it appears that evil prospers, I know it will not. Jesus is victorious – He defeated Satan at the Cross – He wins.
Storms of life are tough, especially those that we battle for years and years. This morning I feel I’ve run a marathon and in the remaining 1/2 mile been asked to return back to the start while others are free to cross the finish line.
What I need to feel is joy. Even though I cannot see clearly right now, and the idea of running this marathon yet again is the last thing I want to do, I know Who is running it with me.
When the trials in our lives are not due to our own sin, but difficulties of life, struggles, obstacles, we must consider them “schools” for our souls and through them we learn perseverance. God instructs us in Revelation 2:10, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Our journey here is about Him, not us. If you, like me, are facing heavy burdens inflicted by uncontrollable sources, know this, the answer is in overcoming. There is power in the name of Jesus.
Keep stepping. Keep moving forward. Keep looking up. Help is on the way.
