April 20, 2020 – Click here to listen
There are many commands that seem difficult if not impossible to perform in the Bible. Forgiving those who have wronged us greatly to include even those who are outright enemies and have avowed their hatred for us and even acted it out. We of course must remember that we have sinned against our Lord and yet He forgives us and even gave his life for us so that we might live. But He is God and we are but mere humans. Perhaps the most puzzling of all verses concerning this dilemma seems to me to be the one found in James 1:2 – Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
I can think of many descriptors for my feelings about my wife’s battle for her life and what she is going through right now. I cannot even visit her in the hospital, and she must face this alone. Joy is not the descriptor I would choose for going through this hell. Many Christians think once they’ve made that decision for Christ that everything will fall into place and we will live the proverbial life on a bed of roses. And then when trials and tough times come upon them or continue, they begin to question, “why?” Wondering how they could possibly endure horrible circumstances and consider it joy.
1 Peter 1:6 – Has one answer – In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls”
Worldly joy or happiness comes and goes as often as waves pounding the shore. It isn’t something you can cling to when you’ve lost a loved one or are facing bankruptcy. The Spirit’s joy or happiness, on the other hand, can stay with you for the long haul. For the believer, the fruit of the Spirit, including joy, is like a bottomless well of water — there’s always an abundant supply. Even in the darkest days, when sadness, grief, and loss may threaten to overwhelm you, God’s joy is there.
I have experienced many trials and tragedies in my life and though they have been very difficult to withstand, they have increased my faith to the point that it is as solid as a rock that cannot be crushed. I cannot get through these situations without Christ. I remember when I didn’t know Christ and I was completely devoid of hope. I was miserable, lonely, and crushed by the seemingly impossible situations surrounding me. Once I became a Christ follower, the trials became bearable but not devoid of pain. It reminds me of hitting my thumb with a hammer. Logically I realize that it will quit hurting in a while, but at the time I hit it – It Hurts! I don’t think God expects that we should not feel sorrow and grief, but I know in my heart that He expects us to look beyond our current dilemmas and soak in the joy that comes only from Christ. He tells us to rest in Him. That is what I do. I turn it over to the Lord and do not doubt that God’s plan is the best plan. I know with certainty that everything will work out exactly as it’s supposed to.
My favorite poem is:
When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.
Life is strange with its twists and turns
As every one of us sometimes learns
And many a failure comes about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow—
You may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out—
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell just how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit —
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.
I know that many people in the United States and around the world as far away as Bangladesh, China, Africa, and India are praying for Teresa and want to know how she is doing. Please be patient, I will send out an update on my wife’s condition after she talks to her doctors later today. We have reason for optimism, but some test results won’t be back in until later today. Thanks for your many prayers, we appreciate them more than you will ever know this side of heaven. Rest-assured that God hears every one of them and is acting upon them.
Knowing that we are His children and that He loves us more than we can imagine is a powerful thing. If you are facing troubles, just remember the Love of Christ and that You are a child of God! Be overjoyed at that!
2 Corinthians 6:18
“And I will be a father to you,
And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,”
Says the Lord Almighty.