Can you really experience joy or peace of mind in the midst of  life’s messy moments???  Not so long ago, the very idea of this seemed ludicrous.  What kind of strange being goes around giggling while on fire mentally, physically or emotionally?  Maybe it’s not as drastic as the picture I painted but it can be.  Honestly, I find it hard to have joy in the middle of any crisis.   A small argument with a loved one can ruin my whole day and don’t get me started on painful heath conditions or a tragic loss.

The book of James in the bible, says, “Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters whenever you face trial of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:1-4). 

Disclaimer* Whenever I share parts of a scripture or quote, I always run the risk of messing up what the author intended.  I blame it on the whole flawed humanity thing:) Please read this book in its entirety when you get a chance.  You most certainly will get a  deeper and better understanding.  I’m only sharing a small part and highlighting what I gleaned.  Now back to our regularly scheduled programming 🙂

Here are two questions my mind automatically formed when reading these few lines.

Joy in the Mess

I believed it was possible… BUT at that point I had never experienced joy in the midst of a blazing hot trial .  I’m so happy to report this is no longer the case.  This isn’t brand spanking new for me, but it is my recent history.  The joy spoken about in James is an internal knowing that God is present with you in any trial.  It’s also understanding that the trial has a purpose and a timeline.  This type of joy is made up of accessible peace and trust in a God who’s got your back.

Don’t let the word “JOY” trip you up.  Joy doesn’t mean you’re laughing and giggling all the time.  That’s just weird and unrealistic! Your friends and family might think you’ve lost it!  The joy being referred to is hope in a living God; and not so much in your circumstances.  Allow that to sink in and take root!  There is real joy or a soundness of mind when you believe that God hears you, is with you and has a plan just for you!  This kind of joy requires faith.

Now What About Trials?!

The word trials sounds painful and they often are. Why are trials even necessary?  The book of James reminded me that trials test our faith.  It’s God’s way of giving us a spiritual HIIT workout.  You can NEVER  bench press beyond your current level of faith if it has not been built up and tested.  If you want to accomplish greater feats, you need greater faith!  Faith for what?-  you ask?  Well faith for anything and everything; your next business merger or dealing with the loss of someone you loved with all your heart.  We all need spiritual muscles just to do life!

Now, there’s also this thing called perseverance.  Perseverance is defined as “persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success”.

Name anyone who has achieved greatness without perseverance… I’m waiting…(See what I did there?  Perseverance requires waiting :).

Do you think Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela and a host of others achieved anything noteworthy without perseverance?

Now add your name to the list of great achievers_____________.

We all need faith for the great things we are doing.  That faith must be tested so we can persevere and keep going!  Whether we like it or not, trials are good for us.  I may cry a little (or a lot)  in the midst of it all but, deep down, I know God is with me.  I’m also certain that I will be a better and stronger person of faith when God works it all out.

So, Here’s what we need to remember the next time we face a trial:

1. We never have to approach life’s storms alone because God will be present in the mess.
2. Trials have a purpose and expiration date so hang in there!
3. It’s going to be a journey of faith with God.
4. The plan is His not ours.
5. When nothing seems to be working; persevere.

I understand that not everyone believes in God.  Like I’ve said many times before, this is how I believe.  I have found that my faith in Christ is my greatest source of strength and joy.  Just FYI, He’s is completely available to you if want him.

I would love for you to share your source(s) of strength with all of us.  Tell us how you manage in the midst of a crisis/trial.  We will  learn together and respect each other in this space, so remember to be kind 🙂  Be audacious and leave a comment.  You never know who you will help:)

In the midst of your trials I wish you unshakeable faith, wealth beyond measure and laughter ’til it hurts.

Kim J.

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