Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. James 1:2-3
No one enjoys the messy parts of life, but as I get older, I do see them as being essential in our Christian walk. Just think back at your life and in what moments did you grow the most as an individual and in your spiritual walk? Was it the time it was all smooth sailing with sunshine and smiles? Or was it more in the times when you were faced with tears, troubles and uncertainties? None of us like it when trials come our way, but if we were being honest, can we see how those are defining moments of our character and present beliefs. During life’s storms, we may feel crushed under the weight and burdened down with the pressures we come face to face with. But those battles we endure, shape and mold us into the individuals we are today. Look back at past circumstances that you didn’t think you could overcome, but yet here you are today on the other side of that dark valley. Think of some of our most valuable gemstones we have today. Diamonds and rubies are made in an environment of extreme heat and pressure from deep in the earth’s ground. They had to go through a not so pleasant process to become the sparkling beauty we see displayed in stores. Through our trials, we can let the Creator work on us to polish away the rough and ugly places to help us come out of the dirt a little stronger and dare I say a little more attractive. I think the more time we spend with God, the more pleasing we can become to be around and even to look at. When I refer to appearance, I am not talking about beauty that fades, but living in a way where we are different. We are joyful. We are kind. We are compassionate. We can shine his light. We can smile, despite the turmoil that may be all around us, knowing he is with us always and he can work good from any situation life may throw at us. We can either choose to get mad at God and run from him, or we can trust his word and lean into him more. He is our strength, our fortress, and our salvation. He is our hope when all else seems lost.
The past few months I have watched my loved ones’ struggle with troubles that come with this life. As much as I want to fix it for them and provide the answers, I am also reminded that growth happens in the dirt. When things are muddy, messy and dirty, the one who created us is still at work. It may be hard to see, but I try to encourage them to just keep pressing on and have faith that he is hearing their prayers. I think of a tiny seed and how before it comes a plant or tree, its most important growth happens in the dirt. What happens down in the soil sets the foundation and the plant’s future depends on it. I reminded my loved ones’ that when they face tough situations, they should pray daily even if they don’t feel like it, and give grace where needed, and keep moving forward little by little. Ask for God’s help for clarity and wisdom. Rely on his strength and guidance to get them through this season. Give themselves time to heal and ask for eyes to see how they can grow as a person and as a Christian.
What is YOUR foundation based upon? What or who do you rely or count on? What we do when trouble comes knocking at our door sets up an opportunity for growth if we will let it. Our choices matter. When we are faced with the unknown or our expectations were not met, what is our reaction? Do we run to God or from him? This steps on my toes a little because I have struggled with this in my life. There are times when my initial reaction is one I am ashamed of. This flesh wants to get upset and push God away. I want someone to blame and even more selfishly, I play the “Why me?” card. If any of you reading this can relate than you know this train of thought only leads to muddier waters where soon enough you will find yourself stuck. It is important to stop this kind of thinking immediately. Shift your thoughts to Philippians 4:8.
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on these things.
Focus on the good in your life, I promise you there is some there even if you have to dig a little to find it. Look back at all the valleys God has brought you through. Don’t worry about tomorrow, just be present in the moment of today. There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for.
Maybe this Thanksgiving you are coming through a dark, stormy season. One filled with hurt, uncertainty, anger, anxiety. You may be wondering if you will ever feel joy again, or perhaps you have no idea what the next step you should take should be. I pray you can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I pray you know there is only one light that matters and is truth. That is Jesus. I have seen him turn ashes into beauty and graves into gardens. He truly is a waymaker if you will just surrender it over to him. Life is never easy, but living your life for Jesus is one that is worth it. You may not always feel him close to you, or you may not see him working in your life, but I promise you he is. Just hang on and keep moving forward!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Hayley W
Unpolished & Imperfect 