“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” – James 1:2
I brought my daughter to a week long college experience. She attended a month long Korean language immersion camp halfway across the country last summer, so I thought she’d be okay. But, after her first sleepless night, she called–wanting to come home.
Thankfully, she was smart enough to realize she shouldn’t make such a decision when she’s exhausted and emotional. She decided to wait until the morning to let me know how she felt.
That night–I prayed. Before I went to bed and continuously throughout the night, every time I awoke, which was often. I prayed that she would get sleep, that she’d get caught up on the work she didn’t realize she had, that she’d make friends, and mostly, that the week would be worth it in the end.
The next day, she felt better. She went to bed at 7:30 the night before and slept with only a few interruptions until 7:30 the next morning. Things weren’t perfect. She was still overwhelmed with work and she still felt uncomfortable in the cafeteria with no one to sit with. But she was rested.
I continued to pray.
Throughout the week, her calls became fewer and her texts were happier. She’d finished her work, went to a Thai restaurant for dinner with her roommate, had a space saved for her by a group of kids at an improv event, and went to McDonalds at 2 am with friends the final night (morning).
God had answered my prayer. She’d completed her work, found friends, and it was all worth it in the end. But, even bigger than that, when my daughter came home she shared with me what happened from her perspective after her anxious phone call.
She, too, had prayed. She opened her bible to read passages that specifically spoke to anxiety. God calmed her and helped her sleep. The next day, she was given philosophical readings from a liberal/non-Christian school. They weren’t intended to point to the sovereignty of God or grace of Christ, yet–for my daughter–that’s exactly what they did. When it came time to write a paper tying all the readings together, she knew exactly what to say. Now her prayer is that her professor, who isn’t a Christian but open to all views, might be impacted by what she wrote.
God answered both of our prayers. But true to His gracious, amazing, loves-to-go-over-the-top-to-show-His-love manner, He did infinitely more than I’d asked.
I knew He’d brought me closer to Himself by forcing me to my knees on behalf of my daughter. But He gave me an even greater gift by showing me that He’d used that same circumstance to bring my daughter closer to Him as well. To assure me that she’s His and He’s teaching her to lean on Him as He continues to teach me. And, He’s giving her a desire to share His love with others.
God knew better than I did exactly what I really wanted. As much as I want for myself, I want infinitely more for my daughter. I want to know that she will go to Him and depend on Him to get her through life’s storms–to find real joy in this life–and to want that for others.
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” – Ephesians 3:20
James was right to tell us that trials offer an opportunity for joy. They bring us closer to God. And, when we’re closer to God, we have a better view of all He’s doing in and around us. And doing the same for my daughter is infinitely more than I asked…yet that is my heart’s desire.
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” – Psalm 37:4
So, when you’re going through trials–big or small–consider it joy. Pray to Him.
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
What trials are you facing right now? Big or small, take the opportunity to grow closer to God by giving Him your cares and asking for what you want. There’s no better way to handle the difficulties this life will throw your way. And it’s amazing to see how He responds.
You are loved,
J F Rogers