What are these trials for, anyway?

Since surrendering to the ministry almost two years ago, John and I have faced numerous tests and trials along the way. I have often had to ask, "What am I supposed to be learning from this experience?" Everything from illness to financial difficulties to losing loved ones and everything in between. We may never know why we face trying times in our lives but I am always aware that God is still God and nothing can take Him by surprise. My desire is that He will receive glory and my praise in the good times and the bad.

Most recently, I failed miserably at handling a trial well. Quite honestly, I was on the verge of going into a deep depression and I probably would have if I had not been in the Word and praying. It seems all three of my children (or at least two of them) have whooping cough. They have all been vaccinated and we took the necessary precautions. Nevertheless, we find them coughing so hard that they have trouble catching their breath and sometimes even vomit. I was told originally that the cough was due to severe allergies and that given time, it would pass. We carried on as usual going to church, the grocery store, and friends' houses. We even sent our oldest to camp for the first time ever. So, as you can imagine, I have felt an enormous weight of guilt. I just know that I most certainly will not be nominated for Mom of the Year. Afterall, not only have my kids been suffering but they have potentially infected others.

So, what have I learned from this? I have learned that my faith is too easily shaken. I have learned that Satan will use anything to get me to believe his lies. I have learned that I am double minded. I have learned that circumstances are beyond my control. I have learned that people are often way more understanding and compassionate than I give them credit for. I have learned that I have so much more to learn in my lifetime.

I have been reading the book of James in my daily quiet times. Let me just tell you that if you have never studied it, James can be a tough pill to swallow! Thankfully, my Heavenly Father knew just what I needed during this storm of whooping cough. I needed to look into the mirror of His Word and see that I was not walking with Him as I should. If I had been, I would not have begun to believe the lies of the devil who was ready to devour me.  James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." If I love Him with all of my heart, soul, and mind, He will help me to endure whatever may come my way. I will come through the fire better than when I went in.

Can I encourage and pray for you in whatever trial you may be facing? The Lord wants to make His children "perfect and entire, wanting nothing." You can rest in knowing that whatever is weighing you down is not bigger than our God. He wants your best. So learn from Him and allow Him to work in your life.