trbccoffeebreak

“Count it all joy my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect that you may be perfect and complete lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4, ESV)

Have you ever thought about what the “it” is that James is referring to? What exactly are we supposed to count as joy?

When I go through a hard season in life – it usually results in:

• Sleepless nights
• Anxiety
• Inability to concentrate
• Lots of tears
• Pain

At first glance, nothing about these things stirs up any feelings of joy.

I was with some ladies discussing our thoughts on a Bible study we were doing on James. We were dissecting today’s verse, when one of the ladies made this statement –

“When life gives you lemons, enjoy the lemons.”

Not the usual sentiment we often hear, is it?

About twenty years ago, I was battling some severe health issues and I started a mission to eat healthier. I also started drinking lots of lemon water.

While lemons may be bitter at first taste – they have numerous health benefits. Did you know that lemons detoxify your liver? They prevent kidney stones.  Lemons are a great source of vitamin C and allow your body to heal naturally.

While the initial taste of a lemon may be bitter – the potential health benefits far outweigh the unpleasantness.

I think that is what James is trying to teach us in today’s verse.

A bitter season received with unbelief and grumbling, can result in sleepless nights, producing bitterness and discouragement. But if we respond with faith (trusting that God is in control) that season can become an opportunity for spiritual growth. Instead of filling our sleepless nights with worry or dulling it with TV/video games – if we allow these things – the “it” that are the results of trials and tests – can bring about a healing in us. For example, a sleepless night can become a night of studying the Word and praying – resulting in a deeper walk with the Lord. And ultimately less anxiety and more peace.

Even though we laughed at my friend when she made that statement, she was right – we should “enjoy the lemons” that God sometimes allows life to throw at us. Trials are inevitable. How we respond to them is our choice.

Just like the lemons – if we allow the Holy Spirit to work -He can produce a detoxification and clean out all the stuff in us that is not of God. When our faith is tested through the bitter experiences of life, the Holy Spirit can enable us to grow.

“Father the only way we can find joy in trials is by putting our Hope in you. Help us to count it all joy when life throws us lemons. Use these trials to remove anything in us that is not of you.”

For His Glory,

Laura Holmes (www.ephraimministries.org)
TRBC Women’s Life