Joy in Trials

I recently finished the Beth Moore study "James--Mercy Triumphs.".  There were many life lessons to be learned and applied in this book but the theme and the verse that continued to come up in my life--on Facebook, in other Bible studies, was that of James 1:2

Consider it pure joy my brothers 

whenever you face trials of many kinds, 

because you know that the testing of your faith 

develops perseverance.

Well.  Really.  Who wants to keep hearing that?  Was it a warning, a message, or just a theme that happened to be in all the media I was being exposed to lately?

I also recently read Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts  about finding joy wherever you are, whatever you are doing, whatever circumstances you find yourself in. She describes how we must look for and can find joy in the midst of mountains of laundry, sick children, and hurting people. Take her "Joy Dare" by clicking on this link and find out how to give yourself One Thousand Gifts before the year is up.  But remember--you are giving the gifts from you because they are simple, sought after gifts from God.

Ann Voskamp emphasizes that you must hunt for joy in the midst of chaos.  James assures that we will find joy in trials.  My daily devotional from "Jesus Calling" and Bible reading has centered around relying on God step by step, one day and one moment at a time.  

Today we've been called on to put our lessons to practice.  We've been looking forward to the birth in September of our first grandchild.  Today, Sarah and Jake went to the doctor for the ultrasound to find out if we should buy pink or blue.  Turns out we still don't know.  The ultrasound showed a lot of fluid around the baby's brain, heart and liver--the doctor has given a preliminary diagnosis of fetal hydrops.  This can result in death of the newborn shortly before or after delivery.  

Our hearts are broken for our children.  We have relatives with serious illnesses.  We have friends who struggle with health and family issues.  You probably have things in your life that Satan is using to attempt to steal your joy and hide the fact that God is always there by our side in whatever situations we find ourselves in.

Will you please join us in prayer as we strive to find joy in our circumstances?  

Thank you.