Right now, I’m sick. It is Good Friday. We have a program at our church but I’m home because I have a very low-grade fever and mainly just feel too tired to go.
About a week ago I began memorizing James 1:5, for a few days I was studying the surrounding passage. It is about having joy during trials and asking God for wisdom on how to be joyful in trials. I posted about joy a few months ago and here I am again. God must be showing me something 😉
Before I continue I want to make a disclaimer and say, yes, I am aware that getting sick is not considered a trial to everyone and definitely not as big as being persecuted for your faith or a family members death.
Right now, this is what I’m struggling with. It feels like a big deal to me because I love the traditions I have with my family at Easter and want to enjoy them. I also am planning on spending spring break at the beach with my friend for her birthday and have really been looking forward to that. None of this will happen if I’m sick, but God has taught me through this.
In front of people I’ve had a lot more trouble trusting God than by myself. I’ve been praying James 1:5 and I keep giving my worries back to God. It has brought me closer to God. This is teaching me to trust God. He has a plan. He will redeem the bad things that happen in our lives for good.
Your trial is probably different from mine. We all get them at some point or another. God uses everything for His glory, even our mistakes or Satan’s schemes. You are right. I don’t know what you are going through. Yes, I’m sure it is hard not to question God or wonder why this is happening.
Try to give it to Him. I’ve spent more time with God the past few days then I have since the missions trip I went on maybe. It feels good. Spending time with God doesn’t just mean praying and scripture reading, though it can. I’ve been listening to an amazing Spotify playlist of praise music. I’ve been doing some Bible journaling as well. Something I have been praying is that God won’t let me waste this opportunity to serve him.
Whatever kind of struggle you are going through. Look at it as a way to practice joy and pray that God will not let you waste this wonderful opportunity.
Have a fun spring break!
-Rebekah
***UPDATE: I’m better and had a wonderful Easter and I’m at the beach right now.***
Americangirlguide 
Glad you are feeling better. Enjoy your time at the beach with your friend. God Bless.
Marilyn
Thank you!
Lovely post, Rebekah! We memorized the whole book of James one year for school and there’s a lot of good stuff in it. 🙂 Also I’m sooo glad you’re feeling better. ♥
Thank you Allison. Wow, that is crazy that you memorized a whole book of the Bible. That takes dedication.
Yeah! Well James IS only five chapters, but it was still a lot to memorize. 😉
That’s true. I’m still amazed though.
Thank you so much for posting this. One of my classmates passed away today and I really needed this right now. Thank you ~Julia ❤
Your welcome. I am so sorry that you are going through this. I will be keeping you in my prayers.