TRYING to count it all as joy...trying being the key word here...

This past week has started a new chapter in my life, one I never thought would be included in my book. It has been a wake up call, a reminder (as if I really needed one) to how cruel this world can really be. How people can ever make it though suffering and trials without having hope in our Savior, is beyond me. He is the only reason I am able to move forward, trusting there is a plan. Looking back on trials in my life, as hard as it was to go through them, as much as it hurt at the time, I believe I truly came out of it ALL a better person. My suffering made me draw nearer to Him, and that can only result in a positive outcome...if you get my drift. I mean, the outcome may not be what you want, but ultimately He knows better than we. I have noticed that the closer I become with God, the more I know Him, the more the world is against me. I think that is probably true for all Christians who really do TRY their best to live for Him.

This is the verse that spoke to me...

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

It's from the book of James...
and while it sounds like a great idea, to count all suffering as joy (such a perfect, Christ-like idea), it is definitely easier said than done. So, I am trying my best to count it all as joy, but even if I don't succeed, I know my Father is here with me, helping me/us through, and in the end of this trial, I know I will be able to look back and see how He walked me/us through...I will owe ALL the praise to The Famous One. :-)