Count it all Joy
Most of us dread going through trials, and tests of any kind is not a welcomed experience. Yet James encouraged us to count it all joy, when our faith is tested because it produces patience. We often feel impatient during seasons of testing and the timing never generally feels right. We have to trust that the Holy Spirit our teacher, is confident that he has already equipped us with the knowledge and skills to pass the test. Passing a test guarantees an upgrade to a new level. We all like the sound of an upgrade but we do not want the test.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”
(2 Timothy 2:15). Tests are better taken when we have studied and retained the information needed to complete and pass. I suppose although the test itself is hard, we can anticipate the joy of successful completion.
Our struggle is to take our eyes off the things and people who are seemingly being a test to us and focus on what God is trying to produce in us. God does not tempt and does not cause evil. The devil our adversary has agents that he uses to cause us trials and testing. It can only happen if God permits it and if he allows it, he will get you through it. “They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you” (Jeremiah 1:19).
We have to submit our will to God and try not to wrestle, but to go through the test. God equips us with the wisdom and insight to overcome and pass. He is more invested in you winning than you understand and when he fights, we will win. Remember that we win, not in our own strength, but through the strength and power of the Lord. “Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).
A.P.-Y.
Published by Anneta Pinto-Young
I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession.
Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm.
I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing.
I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.
View all posts by Anneta Pinto-Young
Published
January 24, 2022
