Count it All Joy! 08/02/2010
Some of you probably recognize these words as from the Bible. It is James 1:2-4. It says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” At your first glance, you may think this does not make good sense. Why should I be happy or consider something joyful that may be difficult or even painful in my life? There is a common philosophy that seems to be going through the church that says, “God wants me happy.” I do not agree with this, but I do know the Lord promises us joy. The Lord is working in our lives to bring about a maturity of faith and character. I think we all concur we learn more in tough times than we do in smooth sailing. Please let me take one moment to discuss a very strong belief of mine. I do not believe that God hurts us to teach us a lesson. If God was a man, He would be arrested and jailed for child abuse if He did some of the things that people accuse Him of doing. So I want to be very emphatic--I do not believe that God hurts or abuses us to teach us a lesson. We are His children. The reason James tells us to count it all joy is because he wants us to look at the situation from a different perspective. To be exact, it is God’s perspective. God cares about us enough that He is alright with us going through some troubles to make us stronger, more mature believers. Most of us could use a little more patience. God is trying to develop patience in your life, so we will stand believing for His blessings even when things do not go as planned. If you are presently in a difficult situation, don’t give up on your faith. Instead, try looking at it from God’s perspective and believe for His favor in your life. Paul said, “All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Let us meet our challenges with faith in the goodness, grace and all powerful ability of our Creator. I have been the Director of this Senior Center for almost eighteen years. I have learned one thing for sure. Aging is not for sissies. Older adults are tough people and they have to be. Life certainly can be hard on our elderly. They deal with sickness, death of friends, loss of agility, money constraints, and many other things including their own mortality. Yet, they do this with great courage. So maybe I am preaching to the choir, but I think all of us need encouragement from time to time. In your troubles, don’t walk away from your faith, only believe. And when God does something great for you, please share it with me. Blessings, Eric CommentsMichelle Spencer 01/09/2012 13:20
I am new to the Murray area. I am not 60, YET...I will be on 7/8/12. I really needed to read this post today. My husband and I are going through a very difficult time with our daughter right now and this helped. May I make copies of it? I know a few friends that would be encouraged by it, also. Thank you and God bless, Michelle Spencer Thank you for your kind note! You should stop by the Center to see what we have to offer you since it won't be too long before you may join. If your husband is 60 or over, you both may come. We have a wonderful, very active facility. 04/13/2012 04:35
Thank's a lot for your kind note! We have a wonderful active facility. Thanks Leave a Reply | Eric Kelleher has been Executive Director of the Center for almost 18 years. Eric's BlogAugust 2010 Categories |
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