Count it all joy, my brothers and sisters, 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 1:3-4 ESV

If you and I were truly honest, we would be completely content going through this life having never suffered any sort of hardship. No one wants to face difficult times, times that test our personal faith and understanding in circumstances and situations. However, we are never promised that we will not have to endure hardships, trials, tribulations and difficulties. In spite of what some may preach to you, this includes us Christians. As long as we are in this fleshly tent, we will face things every day that remind us of the fallen state of this world, our mortality and the eternal promises we have yet to fully grasp on this side of heaven. We will be reminded that God is sovereign and that in spite of what we see or hear, He is faithful and true. He is worthy of our praise and worship in every season, and He is our joy in the midst of weeping and our cries for mercy.

For many of us who have spent any time in particular church circles, it is not kosher to talk about shortcomings or feelings of defeat or despair. We are told to “fake it until we make it” and to watch what comes out of our mouths. We, the creation, command and demand a holy and righteous God in prayer rather than petitioning and asking as we are instructed in Scripture, making our requests known with humility and faith in God rather than faith in ourselves. When someone does not see the outcome desired, we blame the person who did not pray enough, fast enough or maybe had hidden sin in their lives. We believe that we are chosen and though many in the Bible endured hardships, setbacks and trials, we hold to the belief that we are immune from that. We are above that. We deserve better and we are more anointed. There is no spiritual kryptonite to speak of for those who are highly favored. But what happens when you know that you are saved and redeemed by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and favor is not evident? What happens when trials come without respecting one’s faith in Jesus Christ? Will we count it all joy and allow steadfastness to have its full effect in us?

If I could be transparent with you for a moment, this is where I am right now. This is about to get raw. I am 31 weeks pregnant and in the category of advanced maternal age as I am over thirty five years young, which automatically places me in the category of a high risk pregnancy. This is our second child and our second high risk pregnancy. My first pregnancy was fairly smooth with the exception of gestational diabetes, but overall, being pregnant was a joy. There is great joy with this pregnancy of bringing another life into this world, a son who will be raised in the Lord. The process of the pregnancy itself has not been pleasant. There have been many minor things to contend with that are not unfamiliar to many women from headaches and heartburn to morning sickness all the way through the first two trimesters and hip pain. The list goes on. This has been a trial. I was told that I would likely be a gestational diabetic again given the history, but thankfully I am not. But another hurdle would present itself that I had not expected. There was a sign of preeclampsia emerging. I will not go into details other than to say that with this comes twice weekly blood pressure checks to the doctor and personal blood pressure checks at home three times a day. Though my blood pressure has been normal, I have to monitor it for any changes coinciding with the other symptom.

On top of that, we are in the middle of a pandemic. I cannot have anyone with me right now for my appointments, and with the increase in monitoring and being high risk, they are going to deliver me three weeks shy of full term with the goal that I will not deliver earlier than that. I have also been instructed to self quarantine for two weeks prior to the delivery as a precaution. I cannot be induced because I had to have a Caesarean section the first time. I did not want another C-section, but it appears that will be the outcome this time as well. This may not seem like much to most people, but for me, I realize that this is a serious matter and I also know that all of my hope and trust is in the Lord. Count it all joy. How was I to do that when I wanted to break down and cry? How do any of us count difficulty with joy? We do it because we know from where our hope comes. We hold on to the Word of God and to eternal promises and we trust God in the hard times as much as we do in the easy times.

Did this cause concern for me? Yes. I am a fallible human being. I am not a robot. There have been moments of tears and pondering on the situation. My focus is for the both of us to be healthy in this and for my family to be protected and to trust in the Lord above all things. Did God change in the midst of this? No and neither did His Word. The Holy Spirit continues to bring to my remembrance Scripture to encourage me and to correct me when I veer off into worry. In Matthew 6:27, Jesus in speaking of temporal material things asks who can add an hour to life by being anxious. When I was facing a potential for gestational diabetes yet again, the Holy Spirit reminded me of Philippians 4:4-8 and John 14:27. I rested in His peace and rejoiced in the Lord before and after the results.

And then there was this little gem in James 1:3-4. I recalled this passage yesterday after receiving the news on Friday about how these last six weeks will go before the arrival of our son. Count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds. I am not being persecuted for my faith like so many were in the time of James, but this is a trial and my faith is being tested. I want my faith to produce steadfastness in Christ, unwavering devotion to Christ. He is my joy and my strength. I do not feel ashamed presenting myself weak before God when coming before Him in prayer because His power is perfected in weakness and His grace is sufficient. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Are you being tested in this time? Many of us are in one way or another, but in the midst of testing is the blessing of joy in the Lord. As Christians, we always have a reason to rejoice even in the midst of darkness. We have a peace and a joy that the world cannot give nor take away. I know it is tough right now for many of us on many levels, but God is faithful. Count it all joy, brothers and sisters, when you meet trials of various kinds. The testing of your faith is an opportunity for the blessing of absolute devotion and commitment to Jesus Christ. To Him be all the glory forever. Amen.