Rejoicing in Trials...

So I was at Bible study this morning and evidently God knew what I needed!!!

James 1:2-4 says:
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Rob and I have known that the months of May and June would be our toughest yet, but it hasn't sunk in until now that we are about to face some really big trials and we're going to need lots of prayer, spiritual preparation and wisdom as we make decisions and go about our summer. Many of you know I'm expecting a baby in June (the 11th) and that we're going to be moving into Rob's mom's house (still trying to sell ours) at the end of May. Well, not only are those two very large things, but now we need some heavy prayer because while singing at church on Easter Sunday, Rob thinks he pulled a tendon in his left knee (he already messed up the right one playing football his Junior year of high school). He has a doctor's appointment today at 3:30 and we're hoping and praying that he doesn't need surgery. If he does, it might call for (not only anesthesia-which freaks me out!) weeks of working from home again (he had an apendectomy a few months ago) and months of physical therapy. We're really hoping that's not the case, but his knee is really swollen and he's limping pretty bad.

Needless to say, we're going to be facing some pretty crazy trials coming up and all at the same time. The good thing is that they are trials that I can plan ahead for and try to get as organized as possible ahead of time: packing for the move, wrapping up contractor bids/blueprint changes, washing baby clothing and getting other baby items out and ready, and trying to find help through friends/family if Rob does need this surgery. I just hope that if he does need surgery, it can be preformed soon so that the two of us aren't bed-ridden after we both have surgeries (I'm having a c-section with Lincoln). Wouldn't that just be a site!

Anyway, James has reminded me that I need to rejoice in my trials because they are a test from the Lord. It's so much easier said than done, but you know what? I guess I'm honored that the Lord would think of me as that strong of a woman. I don't really think I'm that strong, but I guess He does and so that's why all of this is happening at the same time. Our church family has been awesome, offering any help we need during this time (meals, watching Avonlea, etc.) so we are so blessed.

A saying in my devotional this morning said:
"A successful woman takes the bricks the devil throws at her and uses them to lay a firm foundation. We all need enough trials to challenge us, enough challenges to strengthen us, and enough strength to do our part." (Barbara Johnson)

I spent the afternoon (during Avy's nap) pondering on and reading the book of James (didn't quite finish the whole book yet). Anyone who hasn't read it in awhile or at all, I encourage you to read it. I took many of the verses and wrote them on sticky notes, placing them around the house as a reminder that God is in control, not me. God is testing Rob and I to see how we handle this time of tribulation and with all my heart, I'm going to persevere and rejoice. When this time of craziness subsides, I need to remember to ask myself, "What did I learn from this experience? What knowledge did I gain about the Lord and how He works?"

Romans 14:19 and I Peter 3 :11 tell us to seek the Father to find "perfect peace". God doesn't send e-mail (sometimes I wish He would). As Christians, our attitude towards peace should be acting upon it. I can only hope that with God's help, we will persevere through these trials and peace will be present as much as possible during this time.

God Bless and I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!
*(Avonlea's Easter pictures are being developed soon so I'll get them posted ASAP.)