The Weekly Encourager – November 17, 2017 – Joy Observed

As most of you know by now, I was diagnosed with breast cancer last May. Now I'm ready to give a good report to all my readers! By God's grace, I've been able to have a good attitude about the whole cancer experience. After all, I have a sovereign, loving Father who brings only what is best for me and His kingdom. With each problem that comes along in my life, whether physical, relational, financial, emotional, etc., I try not to complain. Yes, I feel intense grief at times, but I know that constant complaining is an affront to God and His perfect plan. I can have real sorrow yet still be satisfied in Christ. Discontent with one's lot in life is a sin which helps no one and only makes life worse for me and everyone around me. Instead, I try to ask, what does the Lord want me to learn through this? How can I give Him glory in this? How can I have joy? How can I encourage others?

People have noticed my attitude since May. Let me be clear, I'm not saying this because I'm some kind of super Christian, or because I have a naturally cheerful personality. The truth is that I've messed up just as much as you have, and I've struggled with Major Depression (yes, that is my actual clinical diagnosis) since I was a kid. I'm the same woman who wrote in this blog about a time I almost committed suicide, but cried out to God instead and felt Him hold me. This unexpected, unexplainable joy I have now is all about the Good Shepherd who loves me “with an everlasting love.” He has promised that “I shall not want” no matter what happens.

It's surprising how many people are watching how I am responding to circumstances, from the first x-rays and diagnosis, through surgery, radiation, and now hormonal therapy. I've gotten many comments over the last months, and not just from Christians. I'm hearing from the people in my exercise class, my quilting friends, the people I sing with in a community chorus, unsaved relatives and friends, and even strangers. And everyone in my life now knows I am a Christian. Because of the pain of early persecution for my faith, I've been quite reticent to share the truth with unbelievers. I've always felt my main ministry is to encourage the saints, and let others do the work of evangelism. But the Lord has given me a new boldness this summer, and I'm speaking out. I just can't stop smiling.

One friend said, “You have a strong faith and that will see you through,” almost wistfully as if she wished she had such faith. I sure wasn't born that way, so how did I get such faith? Here's the game plan: We respond well to trials by responding well to trials. We grow strong in faith by exercising faith muscles. We feed it good fuel (Bible truths) and get good workouts (trials and tribulations). We consult the best coach (pray to God for wisdom). We commit to a community of fellow athletes (local church) who surround, guide, help, inspire, and encourage us in our regular gym workouts. We seek out one or two close friends who will challenge us and hold us accountable in the hard stuff. Yes, faith is a gift of God, but we play a part. We can't skip our exercises, stay home in bed and expect to have faith full of joy!

People say, “You have a good attitude and that helps,” but the truth is, “I have a good God, and He helps.” He is the One without Whom I can do nothing. This joy is not from me, but supernatural. Are you facing some terrible trial today? Here's some good news: Anyone who trusts in the Lord Jesus can experience this kind of joy. This week I read James 1:1-11. James doesn't mention his high position in the church or the fact that he's the Lord's half-brother, but describes himself as a servant of God. Then he says, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials.” Joy! But it's not just dropped into your lap like a pear falling from a tree. No, you are not the master who expects to have things brought to you, but a servant who follows the plan laid out for you. You have to look up, reach up, and pick that fruit by faith. This is your job. You must develop the self-discipline to “consider” it joy, especially when the situation is not joyful in itself. You must set your mind on things above, and dwell on what is good and pure and true and noble in your circumstance. A mind that “considers” produces a heart that is content.

As we approach the holiday season, Dave and I are going through hard things, and so are some of you. How wonderful that there is still one holiday not totally co-opted by our culture. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to exercise our faith muscles by responding well to trials (some of which may happen around the dining room table on Thanksgiving Day). By God's strength we can lift our weights with smiles on our faces. We can move mountains! Others around us will see our joy. We can bless believers while making unbelievers wonder what's going on! Do your friends, colleagues and neighbors know you're going through trials? Do they know you belong to Jesus? What conclusion can they draw from your witness? Will God get any glory in your gym?

May God strengthen us all in the true faith. May He bring us joy!

God is faithful,
j