Considering Part 3

Jam 1:2 "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,". Consider it all joy, all the events of 2010. Why, you say? Or better yet, how? Because all the circumstances, trials, blessings, provision, gifts, pains, ailments, sunshine-filled days...everything was created, allowed, ordained by God.

In the midst of a trial, or anything that is not perfectly suited to our desires, it's sometimes hard to see the need to rejoice! But surely, looking back over the year as a whole, we can see God's hand at work. Can't you see Romans 8:28, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose," being played out in your life?

Thinking on the year's events, remembering the days when it seemed as though everything was going wrong and getting worse, I realize how overly important inconsequential things were. In hindsight, I see how I missed the opportunity to witness God at work because I was trying to "work out' things God already had settled!

I see how He has once again proven Isa 55:8 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. I've been given the opportunity to be thankful that He didn't answer some prayers, but gave me what I needed instead of what I wanted.

I pray Lord, "help me to 'consider' every day, every hour, every trial AND every blessing of 2011 as JOY!