Count it all JOY

Count it all joy my brethren when you encounter various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. - encouragement from James 1

I have encountered my fair share of trials in the past few weeks and as time goes on, the burden and hurt from these trials has begun to wither away. Although there are a few unsettled issues that I believe will take time and God's revealing grace to heal, I truly can say that at the end of myself, I found peace, an overwhelming sense of abandonment in my worship to Christ, and also have grown closer to a new family of His. I truly have felt this truth of James 1 come to fruition through this time.

It blows my mind that we are given a "recipe" to become "perfect and complete." What in the world?! Who does not want to become a more perfect and complete person? Although the results are mind boggling, along the way is not, and for me, has not been easy. This world is full of haters who despise the perfection of Christ in us. Not that we are perfect, but we carry the Spirit of the One who is. Testing came with tears, doubts, and satan's efforts to thwart my perspective and blame my situation on my Creator. By the power of Christ and looking at the cross, I was consistently reminded that He is my defender, Father, Sustainer, and Redeemer. In Him I have perfect peace and joy.

My worship to Him through this time has brought a closeness to Him that makes my trials pale in comparison to His love.

This weekend Joseph was taking care of Inslee while I was in my friend, Meredith Davis's wedding. At the beginning of the ceremony she fell asleep cradled in her daddy's arms. She slept throughout the ceremony and enjoyed a deep rest that the day's playtime had encouraged. At the end of the ceremony everyone began to clap and cheer as the new couple was announced. Inslee looked up for a moment at the chaos and then burrowed her head even deeper into her daddy's chest, falling back asleep.

Sometimes I want to "awake" from my relationship with God and yell with fists shaking for everyone to settle down so that my plans are not hindered. My beautiful daughter exhibited a truth that is helping me even today. When life seems crazy, loud, and full of trials, bury your head deeper into the chest of your Creator. Draw closer to Him to get the strength you need before attempting to take on a crowd much too big for you alone to handle. His closeness will impart wisdom to realize your situation's potential for miraculous peace and joy.