The world as a whole understands that without pushing the limits, you can not grow. Without going just past what is comfortable, you will never branch out and try something new, without accepting that bit of pain, you will never rise above where you are now. Muscles are built by tearing the old ones and allowing new muscle mass to grow in its place, children go through growing pains as their bones, ligaments and muscles stretch to allow them to continue to grow, and without the pain of childbirth, new life would never spring forth.
The world understands this principle, and it is accepted without question, but as Christians we often seem to think that we are above this principle. We seem to think that God will allow us to grow and stretch, and rise to the challenges in store for us without any pain. We seem to think that the blood of Christ somehow takes that pain away.
I’ve been learning a lot about joy lately. And one of the biggest obstacles I have noticed in being able to truly live a life filled with joy is this idea that it shouldn’t be painful. And that simple isn’t biblical.
One example that comes to mind is Paul. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-8 he tells us that there is something in his life causing him pain and discomfort, and that he has come to God seeking relief…
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
Then as the chapter continues, we see God’s answer to Paul, and Paul’s acceptance of God’s perfect and supreme will…
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
God points out to Paul that without this weakness, this thorn, this infirmity, he will not grow and he will not be able to see God’s strength. God puts Paul in a place where his weakness is made evident so that God’s power can also be seen. As Christians, we seem to forget God’s answer to Paul. We forget that God does all things for His reasons, and that those reasons are perfect. We take the scriptures like John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Or Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive and we leave out the ones like 1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
We seem to think that God is going to give us whatever we ask for, not taking into account that He does something more important than that, and gives us what we need. And sometimes, it is that pain or discomfort that we need.
Each day when we awake, we can be certain that if we are to grow in grace, to grow in God’s plan and perfect will for our life, that there will be necessary obstacles in the way. Some are simple discomforts that require our acceptance and a choice to remain joyful - not having the coffee pot working right, or the dryer not getting the clothes all the way dry. Others are simple challenges that need to be met and mastered by seeking God’s will – how to cook a meal for missionaries with dietary concerns or how to meet the deadline on a challenging project. Others are still larger concerns that require us to put our faith and trust in God’s timing and to continue serving Him when things aren’t going the way we need them to- not having the money to pay the electric bill or to put gas in the car, and others still require taking each second, each step, knowing that only God can meet this challenge – facing the loss of a child or a terminal disease.
In each situation, God is asking us to make a choice. A choice to serve Him in spite of the discomfort, a choice to trust Him when things are looking bleak, a choice to put our entire life in His more than capable hands. He is asking us to live our lives with true, biblical joy…
J = Jesus comes first… no matter what life throws at you.
O = Others need your help… even when it isn’t convenient
Y = Your needs will be met by God… trust Him to keep His promises.
If we want joy, we must make a choice not to let the events of the day drag us down… we must always make sure that we are not the cause of others being discouraged and above all, we need to make sure that we are giving God the glory… for the blessings and the growth… no matter how uncomfortable it may be.
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