Joy In Pain - A Small Start

Everywhere I look I see the pain and suffering of God’s people.  From a friend diagnosed with multiple sclerosis to a baby being delivered still born.   From the tsunamis and power plant failures in Japan to the bloggers who struggle to write about them, it’s overwhelming.  SO MUCH PAIN!  It gets to the point where, even though you know you should just trust, you start to ask God why.  If we are honest we must admit He has ultimately created all of it.  He created free will, He created satan, and He created a world He knew would die and have to be brought back to Him. 

We are told to find joy in these times…

James 1:2-3 (New American Standard Bible)

2Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,

3knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

How can we even begin to accomplish this?  I believe the answer lies with the focus of our attention and condition of our soul.  The focus and trust must be on God, regardless of how bad things get.  We must exercise our free will and make a conscious decision to trust in the promises of His Word.  We stay in prayer.  We make a decision that He loves us, we love Him, and that He, no matter how bad things get, will ultimately take us into His loving arms, surrounding us with true peace.  In the end we realize that no matter the outcome or the paralytic pain and suffering we experience, He is the finish line.  He wants good things for His children and loves us more than we can comprehend.  Once we have these things to look forward to we can, with joy, be obedient to the call He has put on our lives.  We can overcome the chains of sickness or pain.  We can resist evil and bring others to Jesus so they may experience the love He offers.

Father God we thank You now for all that You are and all that You have done.  We turn our eyes and focus to You.  We ask for wisdom and your grace, both of which Your Word declares You provide abundantly.  Work all trials we experience to the growth of our love for You and our patience.  We ask this not for our comfort but for your glory.  We ask this so we may be found usable in Your eyes as vessels to further your kingdom.  That those around us may see Your light shining through us and find You.    We lay ourselves at your feet and eagerly submit to Your will.  We give You free reign.  Move us and mold us as You please.  We love You and trust You with all that we are.