Welcome Heart, Sue Donaldson, Speaker

James wrote: "When you get trials, consider it joy." (James 1:3) Was he oblivious to real pain or a realist? He must have remembered his half-brother's words: "In this world you will have tribulations, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (Jesus - John 16:33)

We will have trials. That's reality. You are either just getting out of one, in one now, or, about ready to face one. Sounds disheartening to me.

But, we have a choice here: choose to have joy in the midst. Not because you're in denial or an idiot. But, because you decide to take God at His word. He loves you. He is able to work everything out. And He wants to build your character - not necessarily give you comfort and pleasure. (Tell that to a teenager...)

Sounds like joy can be 24/7 when we believe that God knows and cares, no matter what's going on. But, I can't do this by myself. Trials are meant to draw me to Himself. I like being close to God, I don't like trials.

But, since we are promised trials, I'm glad I can hunker down and find strength, rest--even joy--in the arms of the One Who asks me to do just that. "When you have trials, consider it all joy." I'll work on that this week. Will you join me?