Excepting the Blows with Joy

^"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³ for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴ And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." ~ James 1:2-4

Count it all joy. 

Oh boy...

All of it? Are you sure you meant all of it? 'Cause, all of it is kind of a lot! I mean come on! I'm only human after all! 

All of it.

Okay......here goes, all of it. 

Trials come and kind of pile up for some of us, ok, a lot of us, it seems like they come all AT. THE. SAME. TIME!!! WHY!?!?!? 
Let me tell you why. First off, the devil doesn't care about being "gracious" to your poor, over-burdened soul. He doesn't care if he is giving you to much to handle, if the flames are to hot, or if the timing isn't right. In fact, he is soooo glad, that he can hit you all at once, its his game. Wanna know why? Because it means a bigger chance to knock you down so hard, that you won't follow God. That's why.

If he can give you enough to make you buckle, he's almost got you. And now, he can play with that little mind of yours hanging upstairs. Yeah, kinda smart right? I know... ohh the devil is smart, and cunning and sly and tricky and just...pure evil. But guess what? God is smarter, and stronger, and He knows what will happen. So, who are you going to let win this battle? I know who I'm going to let.


I was at this clinic, it is a pregnancy center run by Christians, to help moms in need. It's called Abundant Hope. (<-it's pretty cool, you should check it out!) I was there with a friend who is an employee, and I was in the kitchen and saw a large whiteboard near the table. What is said captivated me. It was like a redbull or a coffee when your falling asleep being the wheel, that last bit of power or strength that you need. 

"When Satan reminds you of your past, remind him of his future." Wait, you mean I don't just have to get hit? You mean I can kinda, sorta give it back to him? Cool! Ok you want to show me all of my mistakes before a repented? Fine, see ya in judgement day. (not saying you should take that lightly because you shouldn't.) 

 Trials WILL come, trials WILL be hard, but He asks us to have joy, IN Him, because it is a test, a test to make us stronger.

So,

When you feel like thousands of things are piling up on you, - Remember God knows what He's doing. 
When everything seems cloudy and rainy, and grey. - Remember God always has light.(and it NEVER dims)
When your tired and feel alone, - Remember that God is strength and comforting. 

Remember. 

yeah it will not be easy, but, hey, it's SO worth it. 

Don't you think?