Joy Indestractible

People like to make pans. Many plan their lives, including their career path.  We don’t know the future, our God does.Quite often our lives turn out not the way we expect. Quite often we experience changes that can cause much distress. Some changes are good: many aren't.  

Today I live far away from my family, on the other side of the world.It hasn’t been easy. But we know that this arrangement is the best. 

 Due to many circumstances that are beyond my control, I have not seen most of my family for almost nine years.

I miss them deeply. My aunt passed away two years ago. I never had an opportunity to say goodbye. Cancer took her away. Another family member died from hit-and-run accident.

My cousins got married and both have children whom I haven’t met.

My grandparents are getting older. Their health is not getting better.  

I never expected it to be that way. I thought that by the time I turn twenty-five I would have a good-paying job, see my family at least once a year. At this point, these things didn’t happen.

I don’t know if I see my family again. I have to trust God.
I would never chose things to be the way they are. I don't know what would I had done if I new how my future would turned out. I might be so scared that I wouldn't have done the things I needed to do.
Living faraway from the family allows me to see whom I idolize and whom I don't. Most of the time we  don't realize that we make idols out of own family members and friends. When God sees those idols, he often takes us far away from them. Human love can be easily transformed into idolatry.       

Our Lord knows what is the best.  

Life has been uncertain full of many trials. Sometimes I want to quit. But the Lord gives me strength to keep going.

All heroes of faith had their trials. Many of them failed when they tried to rely on their own strength.

King David affirms the joy in the Lord. At the most unexpected moments, Psalms are full of rejoicing. Psalmist points out to God—the source of ultimate joy.

Apostle Paul was full of joy during trials. He instructs us:

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” (James 1:2, NLT)

I may not  live near my family, but I can pray for them. I may not have a career, but I have a job that provides for my needs. My life I uncertain, but it is in the hands of the one who is always with me.

Overcoming trials with joy produces perseverance that completes our faith. Through trials we become mature and more like our Lord Jesus Christ. Our sinful nature dies daily while our spiritual body grows and matures. Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit. 

Joy gives us strength. Joy of the Lord available to every believer.

Others will notice our joy more during trials, because the world expects us to be desperate. This will give us opportunities to share the hope with other people.

True joy does not change with our mood or circumstances.

 We can be joyful in the midst of pain. Because the source of true joy comes from our God.

I may not know the reason why these things take place. I wish that many of those things, if not the most, would bypass me. But I know that God’s plan is the best. We don't see many things that go on, including the spiritual realm. Job didn't know that Satan was challenging our Lord through the man's trials. 

True joy in the Lord is indestructible and unshaken. He saved us from the damnation of hell. Christians have victory over death. Yes our bodies will die, but our souls will be with God. 
The cross was empty, the tomb was empty, but the salvation became full. May your Easter be blessed. 

He is Risen Indeed