Blessed
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12, ESV
When we are headed into a difficult season of life, it usually shows up when we least expect it. Something drastic happens and before we know it things have changed in a way we could never expect. Several years ago, our daughter was 20 weeks pregnant when we were told her baby would not make it. We had just celebrated the gender reveal and learned that her name was Jayla. Everyone was so excited and by the end of the week Jayla was gone. God had taken her home.
I still can’t tell you what my heart actually felt. All I know is there was pure sadness. I had no idea how to be there for my daughter. I had no idea how to help myself. I did not want to speak with anyone, I just wanted to be alone. It was such a hard and difficult season of our lives. I felt like I had failed my daughter because I just could not do it. I searched scripture for answers, but nothing seemed to bring comfort. I just had to stand on what I believed - that God was there with me in those very weak moments.
In the scripture above James says, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast…”. In that time of grief, I learned that steadfastness does not mean you have to be strong, you just have to know and believe God is with you. I found out that His grace is sufficient for me in those weak moments. His grace holds and carries me through when I don’t know what to do or how to do it. I learned that even when I don’t understand His ways, when I am angry and have no words, He understands me, and He still loves me. He can handle whatever emotions we bring to Him. Yes - His grace is sufficient.
I now have a better understanding of that scripture in James. God is the one who helps us remain stable in His grace no matter what comes our way. Steadfast means we are firm in our belief and determine to trust God regardless of how we feel. We can rest in Elohim because He holds us. Amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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