Rejoicing in the Midst of Battle
Good Morning Girls! Sunday night I was in bed studying the Word, praying about what I should blog about. The Lord brought me to Romans 5:3. I read the verses a few times and said to Tom: "You know, I can totally have faith when we are faced with trials and problems. I can wait confidently knowing that God has it all worked out for us. I can even be patient (when necessary) and stand in faith until the trial is over, but I can't honestly say that I rejoice at trials and problems." "It says here we can rejoice when we run into problems and trails, for we know that they help us develop endurance. I can appreciate that, but I'm not sold on the rejoicing part" I then flipped over to James 1 and read "when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy." Well, I wrote the verses down in my journal, and thought to myself. "I'm not sure how I'm going to blog about this one. How can I write about something I haven't yet been able to put into practice?". I put the verses in my heart and asked the Lord for help. While I was at my computer Monday morning I had a very odd feeling. It was like I could feel all of these "things" in my life that I have no control over, coming together all at once. Have you ever seen it when the wind blows really odd, and it forms a mini tornado like shape with a few pieces of garbage? It really looks like a 1 foot tornado blowing around the park? Well, I felt like I had this 1 foot tornado filled with all of these "things" that I am standing in faith about, whirling around me. My body went into "fight or flight" mode, and stayed there all day. I told my friend, my heart is at peace, but my body is not. I need my body to act in agreement with what I know is true. By the end of the day, I felt like the adrenaline had burned a hole in my stomach. Tuesday came, and I decided the best thing to do was to have some friends over and have a little fun before I leave for Washington. If I was alone, I would probably meditate on problems, and not promises. While sitting on the deck, I brought up the rejoicing over trials verses. I told her how I was struggling with the "joy" part of it. I went on my mini stand up routine as I did with Tom about how I could stay in faith, yada, yada, yada, but joy? Then she responded and the light came on: "Jen, that is what you rejoice about. You rejoice in knowing that the victory is coming. You rejoice in knowing God's plan is better than yours. You rejoice in the fact that what you learn during the trial will help you and strengthen your walk with the Lord." It all made sense and I was excited about it. Good thing the Lord provided me with the revelation, as little did I know, within 24 hours I was going to need it. I have decided not to go into details this morning, as things are still fresh, and I do not want to give glory to the devil. Let me just say, with all honesty, that I am truly rejoicing at what the Lord has in store for me and my family. I am thankful for the endurance I am developing. I am joyful of the fact that my character is being strengthened. I am more confident than ever that God has a perfect plan for our lives that will in fact leave us perfect and complete needing nothing! I am confident that my hope and faith in God alone will not leave me disappointed!
Romans 5:5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Love you all-
Jen
Romans 5:5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Love you all-
Jen
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