Joy in Trials
- Cathrine Schmelzer
- Feb 6, 2024
- 2 min read
“How can I count my journey of becoming a mom a joy when it was full of suffering?”
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds., when you meet trials of various kinds.” James 1:2 (NIV)
My husband and I so badly wanted to be parents. I never dreamt my story of becoming a mom would consist of trials. I thought I’d get married and pregnant right away! That was the plan. That was my plan.
After a year and a half of trying to conceive, my husband and I were emotionally exhausted, worried, and anxious. Would we ever become parents? Would I ever be a mom? We met with a specialist and decided to pursue different options in hopes of starting a family.
Moms, what a trial… the disappointments, the physical pains, the uncertainties, the loneliness, the frustration, the constant juggling of appointments, the financial burdens, the emotional drain… the list goes on.
Never once, while in that season, did I count the trial of infertility a joy. But here we find ourselves in James 1:2 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” How can I count my journey of becoming a mom a joy when it was full of suffering? Joy comes from knowing our trials are securely held in the hands of our loving Father.
A Father who is undefeated.
A Father who has the best plans for us.
A Father who is always with us.
A Father who loves us beyond our comprehension.
It’s in the trials that our faith is being tested, refined, and strengthened. In James 1:3 it says, “for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness”. Each trial we encounter in life gives us the opportunity to seek and trust God, allowing our hearts and minds to become firmly fixed on Him.
Are you going through a trial? Are you facing uncertainty, marital issues, financial challenges, medical concerns, or just really hard family stuff? You don’t have to do it alone. God is with you – it’s our choice to walk with Him in those situations. It’s our choice to count it as pure joy, knowing God has it, even when it’s not part of our plan.
Action Step:
Counting trials as joy comes with an eternal perspective. Read 2 Corinthians 4:17.
Written by Amy, joyful, blessed, mom of 2
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