Feeling God

I just started a Bible study this week that I was supposed to start last week (ahem…hi Cari and Amy). The idea of the study is to read until God speaks to you, then stop and spend time figuring out what it means to you. So the first day I started in James. You know, James 1:1. And I got to James 1:2.

JAMES 1:2.

I know.

4 seconds in and I am coming to a screeching halt. And here is why.

James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Those of you who have been around me much in the past few weeks know I have been a bit…um…whiny. I’ve had a few trials. Nothing big, and trust me, I am thankful that it is all small stuff, but it has been annoying none the less. Just stuff like the evil virus that went through our family, shower leaks and flooded closets, a stolen vehicle, and being behind in never-ending housework, to name a few. And after a particularly crappy challenging morning with my kids, this verse was so in my face that it was almost humorous. So as I began to do the journaling part of the exercise, I started to see and feel more and more truth. By the end, God had literally talked me into being joyful over my trials. Into desiring perseverance. Into loving how my trials make me lean on Him. And I honestly know in my heart that no matter what happens, it is all good. Then the planets all aligned and there was crazy, unprecedented silence in my house as my kids somehow became absorbed in their own little projects, and I laid down on the couch under my favorite blanket and I actually felt like I was laying in the comforting arms of Jesus. You know that feeling? Oh, that feeling rocks. It ROCKS.

And now I think I am good to go.

Even though one of my "well" kids just walked in with a 103 fever. You gotta admit, there is some humor in there somewhere. Still good to go.