Count It All Joy

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2—4

I wrote the following paragraph on my CaringBridge site about a year after my cancer diagnosis. As I prepared for an autologous stem cell transplant, so many complications (pneumonia, sinus infection) kept delaying the procedure.  Here is how God’s grace carried me through…

“Speaking of His grace...the most exciting development has been how God has worked on my heart and attitude this past month, always preparing me in advance for what lies ahead. After the second round of intensive chemo, I was feeling burdened by a sense of dread regarding the transplant. Time spent in the hospital is so hard for me, and I began to wonder how I could possibly survive 3 straight weeks hooked to IVs when God planted the Bible verses James 1:2-4 in front of me multiple times (as He often does to make sure I get it right!). This verse tells us to "consider it pure joy" when we face trials of many kinds, for the testing of our faith leads to perseverance that is necessary for spiritual maturity. So I began thinking about the transplant as though it would be a thing of "joy" and when a challenge would come my way, I'd call it a "joy" instead of a setback. These verses revolutionized my attitude and lifted such a burden off me, preparing me for the time in the hospital with pneumonia. And when I had a lung biopsy and sinus surgery, it was a gift to remember that these challenges had a greater purpose and that God would carry me through them.”

Reading over those words, I can scarcely believe it was real! I mean, really, who considers a transplant or surgery a “joy”?! But the “joy of the Lord” is not the same as the happiness we feel when our football team wins the Superbowl. It is more grounded and secure and inspires confidence and trust. The “joy of the Lord” frees our spirit from worry and enables us to rest in the palm of His hand.

Dear Lord, I rejoice that You are omnipotent and omniscient. You know better than I, in all matters great and small. Help me to trust in Your plan for my life, and to thank You for the trials that I face as I wait for Your deliverance. Enable me to live each day victoriously and joyfully, no matter the obstacles that I face. Most of all, remind me daily that when I am weak, You are strong.