We stayed home from church this morning and watched Ed Young and Joel Osteen on TV. Joel’s message was on staying the course while God works behind the scenes. He talked about a friend who was diagnosed with terminal cancer and his four year old son brought him the Bible and pointed to a page of scripture and said, “read this one daddy”. The boy of course couldn’t read, but the man read the verse any way: this was the verse:

John 11:4 “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”

Today, I believe this verse was for me. It comforted me and Mark. I don’t know what my diagnosis will end up being. I just know that God is in control and is at work behind the scenes and no matter what - I’ll be okay, even if I am ill or well: I’m still going to be okay. I can still have joy.

James 1:2-12
“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. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

Even trials have purpose. Obviously I need some refining and maturing. I’m ready and willing.

Written by Traci Knoppe ©: Aside from her roles as wife, mother of six, mother-in-law and grandmother, Traci is a Christian parenting instructor, Sunday school teacher, and business owner.

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