Everything is Going to Be Okay

 "Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of ALL of the details of MY LIFE; the Quiet confidence that ULTIMATELY... everything is going to be okay and the determined CHOICE to praise GOD in ALL things" -Kay Warren

The uncertainty of things in life can create emotional and mental roadblocks. Sometimes the voice within us that we choose to ignore is God speaking in his tender voice. Whether He is trying to warn us against making a mistake that will have detrimental effects down the road or a gentle reminder that we need to change the behaviors in life that impact us negatively...He whispers nothing but sweet peace.

I find myself wanting God to just tell me what to do and how to do it; but even I know He is not a forceful or demanding God. He gives us direction; but we must be willing to accept it. God does not desire to control us but to offer peace, hope, love, security, grace and forgiveness. The bible says His ways "surpass all understanding"; yet grace will always be the cup from which I can willingly drink from...no matter my burdens. If you haven't had moments in your life that felt as if you stood at a crossroad; then you have never faced the reality that one way leads toward bondage and the other leads to freedom.

 Life is full of moments where our faith is tested. Luke 1:37 says faith doesn't make things easy but it does make it possible. If only I could possess the gift of unwavering faith without the tests...surely I could stand firm and know that God's in control even when it comes to the things I hold dear to my heart! Yet even I know the reality of this is crazy. Without the tests and trials in my life...my faith would not be THE source of reassurance on days where I think I can't stand another disappointment. We all have them...disappointments. We all struggle with some problem that seems unbearable. We all want things/people/situations to go a certain way; not to mention in a timely manner that fulfills our personal needs. Just when you think you have things figured out, you are quickly reminded that there is an evil force that can sock you right in the gut. It can suck the air out of your lungs and make you lose just enough strength to let your guard down, but only if you let it. The results can have a detrimental affect on your mind and it can become a place where negative thoughts creep in. Your negative thoughts can turn into actions that you will regret. If you are like me, pretty soon you are an utter mess and those you love dearly become the victims to your immediate reaction to difficult circumstances for which you know will work out just fine. Still you allow things to spiral downward...you shut down, don't want to talk to anyone and sometimes want to disappear, find a dark hole to crawl into...for eternity. That is Satan at work to destroy the good work that God has started within you and me. BUT God always shines His light, just enough, to remind us He is in control...far beyond our immediate situations.

 James reminds us that we should consider it pure joy when facing trials because it is a test of faith that develops perseverance. How powerful are his words regarding tests and trials. He plainly tells us that we "will" face trials in this life but to remember that we must be patient and steadfast. In Romans, Paul says to rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that the trials of life develop perseverance which leads to character. I know what you are thinking. Why would anyone want to rejoice when facing trials? Well the answer is simple because, God is sovereign and knows our needs. His word reminds us that in our weakness, He can make us strong. In our struggles, God can use them to strengthen and deepen our relationship with Him. Yes, we will feel the pain and sadness that results from the trials we face; but these are opportunities for us to grow and lean on God for strength (1 Peter 1:6,7). Letting our light shine as God shines His light on us, can help us grow to be the kind of person God wants us to be.

In the end, all that matters is that we glorify God through our actions. What better way to show our love for and glorify our Heavenly Father than to rejoice in the midst of adversity. That's what faith can do.