Rejoicing in Affliction

We all go through hard times, and when things get desperate, it can be hard to have faith in the promises of Jesus. Though He told us that we should not worry about what we will eat, drink, wear, or how we will be sheltered, when hardships come – this can be much easier said than done.

I currently face such a circumstance – one that is completely reliant on Him. I cannot fix this, and though I try, I know that if a door opens or shuts it is by His power and not mine.

For a moment, I gave into fear – as I tend to do.

Then I sought the Lord.

I started to fear that the situation I am now in is because of something I did wrong – that I made a foolish choice that now will have potentially devastating consequences for my family.

But, even if that is the case, I know that Jesus is merciful, and I have to remember how spiritually young I am. Will He cast me out because I made a mistake (assuming it was a mistake)? I don’t think so, especially considering the heart of what I was doing was to do well by Him.

I realize that I have two choices in the matter. I can either give into fear and despair – as I have a tendency to do – or I can submit this before Jesus in faith.

I’m tired of living in fear. Fear of failing, fear of making a mistake against God, fear of not having the things me and my family need to get by. Instead rather, God gave me strength to make a better choice – to trust in Him.

Let’s assume the worst case scenario. Let’s assume that I did make a mistake, and that my whole reason for being is to set an example to others, like Pharaoh – and I will ultimately be destroyed to bring God glory. Well, then – I will go down praising the Lord. Why? Because He has already given me more than I will ever deserve. He gave me life, and what more do I deserve than death?

All things are in His hands and are for His purposes. We will go through hard times. We will learn to trust in the Lord. We will realize that no matter the circumstance, God was already gracious to us in giving us life. We will rejoice in affliction, praising the Lord even unto our death if need be – because He is good, and we are not. We are nothing without Him, and all things we have are an act of mercy and graciousness by a God whose goodness and love surpasses all understanding.