I’ll never forget the afternoon my husband and I were traveling down a two lane road towards the lake. As we passed a field grown over with high grasses, we noticed an woman who was in distress. She had tried to walk across the tall grass and her feet got tangled up. She was literally unable to move. We stopped and my husband pulled at the stubborn weeds around her feet until she was freed. He then set her upright again and she was able to walk to her destination. The truth is, an unmarked path is hard to follow. Had that dear lady been on a cleared trail, she wouldn’t have had nearly the trouble.
When you and I are walking through trials, the path is clearly marked for us. Many have gone ahead of us, showing us the way to respond. It’s easy for me to think I’m the “Daniel Boone” on this pathway of trouble; marking out a way that none have gone before. How foolish. Again, James 1 reminds me, “Count it all joy.” Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always. Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always. All. Always. Not 99% so I can save 1% for self pity or sympathy from others.
This doesn’t mean we jump up and down and thank God for Cancer, divorce, murder, natural disasters or rebellion. It means we choose to thank the Lord in the midst of those things or while we’re going through them.
I have to stop and look at my current trial and see what the joys the Lord is bringing into my life because of it. I list these here as a testimony so I won’t forget:
- A special bond between my mother-in-law and myself
- Unity in the heart of our congregation as many have rallied to support us
- Time at home caring for her needs, rather than in the hospital
- Opportunities to witness and share testimony of God’s goodness
- A greater dependence on the Lord
- Time to reflect about heaven
If you’re going through a trial, I encourage you to stop and reflect on the joys that you can count, even through your tears.
The path we must walk in trials is clearly marked – Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done!
RefreshHer 