Consider it Pure Joy...

(James 1:1-4 NIV) James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. {2} Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, {3} because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. {4} Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything

Okay, so today is one of those days I can't help but think. Not that I don't think every day, but you know, one of those deep thinking days. I have been asking God what the purpose is in suffering. I have family members that are facing some tough trials, friends that are facing seemingly incurable illnesses, friends that are going through nasty horrible divorces, some friends and family that have lost jobs, and some that have gone astray from God all together because of what they thought was a hopeless situation. Life just seems hard for so many right now and so unfair by human standards.

So, what have I come up with? Well, first thing that happened was these verses were called to mind by the Holy Spirit. Consider it pure joy? How in the world are you supposed to consider it joy? When life is going along great and all of a sudden you hit a big pothole and life as you once knew it is changed for a length of time and possibly forever for what seems like the worse, you are supposed to Praise God and rejoice? Okay, I don't know about you, but for me, it has to be a choice and a major one at that, to choose joy no matter what the circumstance. A friend told me today that she chooses to cling to the truth that God has the greater plan in suffering. Truth is, God's plan is always greater and better, but not always by our human standards. Our minds are so finite and we cannot grasp His plans for hope and future, plans to prosper us. We have to CHOOSE to cling to Him.

In the Beth Moore Study of Daniel, I learned that sometimes you have to be refined through the fire. Makes me think of a silversmith working with silver. The fire has to get really hot and he has to keep stirring to see his reflection before the piece is complete. I wonder if that is what is happening? I wonder if God is stirring the pot so He can see His reflection in us? I wonder if we will choose to allow Him to work with us now, or if we have to be continually melted down so He can again begin stirring our pot to bring something beautiful out of us, something good? I wonder how long we will allow ourselves to end up in a pit? I wonder...

Consider it pure joy...that's what we have to do. Life happens and trials happen and life is not always easy, but God is at work and Praise Him that His Ways are not our ways. Praise Him that He never leaves us or forsakes us...

Father God, You are the Potter and I am the clay. If it takes trials and suffering to make me what You want me to be, make me the willing vessel to be molded to reflect Your Image. In your sweet name I pray...