By: Michelle Mackall
Three small children, new house, and a new city. Our family had just moved from Pensacola, Florida, to Raleigh, North Carolina, for my husband, John, to start seminary. The house was smaller and meant downsizing, which included donating a couch and chair I loved because my husband had surprised me with it during our first year of marriage. The sectional couch had to be set up differently to fit within the small living room. Quarters were tight, and we had to be creative with space. I missed my home in Florida, my friends, and my church.
In addition to the move, I was still asking God if He really knew about the girl He had called to be a pastor’s wife. In the back of my mind, I was pretty sure an omniscient God had forgotten a few things that would surely disqualify me. And if you are wondering, YES, I truly had this conversation several times from the start of the calling on our family through the first two years of John’s schooling, even though God had made the calling abundantly clear.
Several months later, my sweet husband came home from his day of classes and work to ask me how my day had gone. I replied, “James and I are NOT getting along!” He quizzically looked at me and asked, “Who is James?” to which I replied, “You know that little book in the Bible, James. Well, he tells me to find joy in the trials and tribulations, and I am NOT finding the joy.”
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds. James 1:2a NIV
I have thought back to that brief conversation with John many times in the years since my statement. Truthfully, it is still not easy to find the joy in trials and tribulations. Trials and tribulations still initially set my heart to racing and my anxiety soaring. But, it is the remainder of James 1:2-3 that opened my eyes to the truth.
“because you know that the testing your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 NIV
Faith produces perseverance leaped off the page at me. I realized I had always been so busy focusing on the trials and the lack of joy I felt that I had totally eradicated clinging to my faith in times of troubles. To be truly honest, I was usually feeling sorry for myself or throwing a temper tantrum and demanding God be a “Sugar Daddy.” I wanted what I wanted, when I wanted, with no troubles in my life. But God wanted me to trust Him as the loving Heavenly Father who keeps His promises and truly knows what I need.
Matthew 17:20 tells us,“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there, and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” The verse does not say God will give you what you want but rather nothing will be impossible for you. And sometimes what seems impossible is perseverance.
But rest assured, it is possible to persevere and find joy in the darkest moments while God works in your life for good to allow you to be mature and complete in Christ. The joy may just be in a simple verse or resting at the feet of Jesus while an anguished soul waits for the Lord’s timing. Hold steadfast to faith, no matter how small it may seem, because faith even the size of a mustard seed will move mountains.
Over the years, I have realized that it is in the darkest moments of my life that I have truly seen the handiwork of my Lord and Savior in my life. Oh, sweet friend, I do not know what trials and tribulations you may be facing today, but I promise you that God has not forgotten you. The impossible is possible with faith until the battle is over.
Psalm 30:5, “weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
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This is Michelle’s first article
Michelle Mackall is the mom to three boys and one girl. Known for just a little sass, Michelle earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business from Shepherd University where she met her husband of almost 28 years, John. She currently works in the office at a Maryland middle school. She enjoys studying the Bible with women and youth and learning about the amazing Lord she serves. She has been blessed to serve alongside her husband at the church they planted fifteen years ago.
You can check out Contagiousjoy4him & our statement of faith here. We Believe. You can check our Founder and Directors’s speaking schedule here. Find out more about Diane and our writing team.
