Count It All Joy

I mentioned previously 2 of my friends and I are reading the book of James during August. A mutual friend of ours suggested we select one book and read it for a month. This helps get God's word rooted deep into your heart and mind; lets it soak in. At the beginning of the month, I would read the 5 chapters everyday and now as the month has progressed, I've focused on 1 chapter a week. Unfortunately, I'm still stuck on chapter 1. I have to kick it in gear to finish the book by September!!! There's just so much detail!!!

I wanted to share this excerpt from John MacArthur's commentary on James 1:2:

"Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness (worketh patience)." James 1:2-3

"The more we rejoice in our testings, the more we realize that they are not liabilities but privileges, ultimately beneficial and not harmful, no matter how destructive and painful the immediate experience of them might appear. When we face trials with the attitude that James admonishes, we discover that the greatest part of the joy is drawing closer to the Lord-the Source of all joy- by becoming more sensitive to His presence, His goodness, His love, and His grace. Our prayer life increases, as does our interest in and study of the Word, and in each of those ways our joy increases all the more." (page 21-22) (emphasis of mine added in bold)

I had to post this because this describes in many ways how I have felt not having a child. I have said and hope to always say, if it meant going through infertility and not having a biological child of our own, in order to draw me close to God, to experience Him and His Word, than I am grateful. It is a privilege to walk through a trial in order to comfort those who are in the middle. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4..."who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction." God has given me that opportunity this year. At times, Bryan and I are in the midst of a trial. But in other times, we have walked through part of our trial and we can comfort those who are behind us on that road.

Count It All Joy, My Friends!!!

I tried and tried to find a video of "Count It All Joy" with Shannon Wexelberg. But I could not find a decent one. If you know of one, would you comment or send me an email.

If you can, listen to this version of "Count It All Joy" with Charles Billingsley, Scott Krippayne, & Shannon Wexelberg on iTunes.