joy

A Test of Your Joy

Dr. Mike 2025 , ,

And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away.  Luke 8:13

Often I heard Dallas Willard respond with the following words to someone in a difficult period in their life. He would reply with the phrase, “this will definitely test your joy.” In many ways, it was his way of acknowledging a difficult situation. A place in life where pain and suffering leads to an unknown outcome. A time where one’s faith is being tested. Where God’s intervention is necessary to fix the problem.

In the above Scripture, Jesus was explaining a parable to his disciples. One of the challenges for those who hear God’s Word is when testing comes along. Initially, one is excited to learn new truth that helps transform one’s life. But when a difficult situation arises, one is being tested. One then is confronted by the truth. A choice needs to be made. God’s Word meets your desire. Truth confronts your willpower. Does your willpower win the test? Or does your desire quiet truth?

Jesus faced a similar test prior to HIS public ministry (Lk. 4:1-12). HE was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to face Satan. Satan attacked Jesus with doubt of HIS identity. He offered Jesus the convenience of satisfying HIS kingly role immediately. Why fulfill Scripture per HIS Father’s will when you can have it now? This was Jesus’ temptation. The result is HE passed the test. 

Every one of us will face similar tests throughout our life. We will pass them and we will fail them. When passed, it will energize and assure us in our walk with Jesus. When we fail the test, God’s grace will be upon us. HE will reveal something about us that needs transformation. It will keep us humble. It will keep us leaning on HIM. It will give us a ringside seat to see how the Spirit works in us and through us.

When one is committed for the long haul, one views each test as a building block. We keep plowing ahead making adjustments toward the high call of Christ. If we are in this only for immediate gratification, we risk quitting right before the goal line.

The fruit of the Spirit includes joy. As we learn to walk empowered by the Spirit, we will be tested. Each test will reveal more about our character. Each test may temporarily rob us of our joy. Yet, as we make the effort in our life to align with the Triune God, the Spirit will give us the power to walk in Christ.

Tests are God’s way of allowing us to evaluate our true selves. Under the empowerment of HIS grace, we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us after the likeness of Jesus. Each failed test, is a course adjustment. More time to reflect on God’s character and lean on HIM.

Each passing test, is a grateful praise for the work of the Spirit in our lives. We are humbled by Christ’s work in us. For HIS joy is our constant reminder. Whether we pass or fail the test, it is better to walk with HIM then not. For when you are committed for the long haul, HE has a way of bringing out HIS joy in you through all the tests.  

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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Joy within Trials

Dr. Mike 2023, Life in Christ , , ,

James 1:2-4, 12

 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing…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.

How does one consider trials a joyous event? 

When one loses their job, or one’s business is forced to close and one faces financial ruin, or a meaningful relationship ends, are Christ-followers supposed to rejoice?

When one’s health is broken, or one is constantly being bullied into submission, or one’s life work is hanging on the balance of being destroyed by outside destructive influences, is one to accept being a victim without hope in the situation changing for the better? 

Why would a good God allow such events occur in our life? Doesn’t HE want us to live a life of comfort and ease? Why would HE want us to temporarily suffer such pain and misfortune?

I am sure we have all asked similar questions as we face the challenges of life each and every day. Yet when one better understands God’s macro purpose for yours and mine life, the quicker one accepts the moment and places trust in HIM to move you through the process for the sake of others, yourself, and HIM.

Most often our initial reaction from such a negative event may cause temporary shock. We are in shock because of the unexpected potential negative consequences on the matter. We may then become angry at God or others for making such a destructive impact with our life at this moment in time. Somewhere in the process we will also grieve of our loss. These are all natural human responses to an ugly situation. Any of these emotional events may last for a few minutes or a few years and are necessary for healing to commence.

But as Christ-followers, during the entire ordeal, our faith in God will be tested. Either we will lean on HIM throughout the entire process, or not. If we do lay our pain at HIS feet, HE will provide us with the internal strength to remain firmly trusting HIM to lead you to work out the situation for the best long-term outcome for all parties involved.

When we continue to lean on HIM, trials will strengthen our faith in HIM. We become participants in HIS handiwork. HE is molding and shaping you and me to maximize our potential as a child of HIS. You may not see it at the moment. You may still be on an emotional roller coaster, but you are also being held in HIS grip.

HIS Spirit full of love, joy, and peace becomes more active and alive within you as you lean on HIM through the ordeal. The joy James writes about is the paradox of being a Christ-follower. Even when you are suffering, HIS joy lives in you and HE cannot stop expressing who HE is even during bad times.

However, if you do not lean on HIM during your trial, then you will feel the immense pain of living life without HIM and without hope for a better future.

As Christ-followers, we know HIS macro-plan is to prepare us for eternity. HE desires us to have the divine character of Jesus Christ fully empowered within us at all times. However, the building of this character takes time to work through the fiery circumstances, plus a willing participation on our part to complete. As we endure in HIS arms, as we firmly abide in HIM, we are being perfected into HIS image. Like the athlete, short-term pain leads to long-term gain.

We may not fully recover in this life what we loss through the trial. But we know God promises us the crown of life for our faithful endurance through our journey in this world.

Yes, we will be blessed for hanging in there to the end. Meanwhile, the short-term pain hurts, the shock and grieving are emotionally draining, and the future looks temporarily hopeless. But as we face our fears, holding unto HIM one step and one day at a time, HE is with us through the entire ordeal. As we are at our weakest moment, HE becomes our strength. HE walks with us and at times may even carry us.

And yes, during our trial everything may seem a blur. But in hindsight, when you review the matter, you will see HIS hand working out circumstances, and bringing people into your world at the proper moment to launch you closer to the end of the trial and the beginning of a new adventure.      

Bottom line: Trials are God’s opportunity to shape us into HIS image and reveal HIMSELF to others. Be steadfast. Lean on HIM. Rejoice in HIS presence. HE will lead you through the ordeal.  

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager, Faith-Integrator, Scribbler

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Joy-Giver

Dr. Mike 2022 , , ,

Ecclesiastes 2:26

For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. ESV

The Book of Ecclesiastes is written from a twin perspective: Life is a vapor and God is a Joy-Giver.

When I first read the Book as a seventeen-year-old seeker, I was initially depressed of its message of vanity, meaningless purpose, and nothing to be gain remarks. Yet some twenty years later, the rest of the story became more apparent.

Yes, from birth to death you come into the world with physically nothing and you shall leave with nothing, but in between is the Godly experience which shall shape you for eternity.

The Book reminds us that God is the giver of good gifts for our enjoyment. Whereas most people today seek after the fleeting ideal of happiness, real joy awaits them in the presence of the living God. However, until one acknowledges the Source, one shall always climb the ladder on the wrong wall and find disappointment.

God is the most enjoyable Being in the universe. He has created us to have a personal relationship with HIM. When we evade HIS presence and shy away from HIS goodness, we only harm ourselves. But when we learn to share life with HIM, HE openly shares HIS life with us.

Joy is HIS natural character. The fruit of HIS Spirit includes joy. He can’t help being joyful. And HE has created us in HIS image. Joy awaits us, but without HIM our pursuit is continually empty. When you and I learn to dance with HIM on HIS dance floor of planet earth, we align ourselves with HIS rhythm, HIS purpose, and HIS values, and begin to experience a deeper relationship with HIM; joy becomes the by-product of the with-God life.

Yes, this physical life is temporary. Time moves quickly and life is a vapor, as our physical self is here like a blade of grass, and then no more. But God has greater plans in store for us. Today HE wants you and I to experience the richness of a Godly life. He allows us to compare the temporary physical highs with the permanent reality of HIS character as a foretaste of what we may expect through eternity and beyond. So, if you haven’t yet done business with the Almighty, you are missing out and time is growing short.  How about taking a moment and discover the difference between the temporary sensation of happiness with the permanent high of joyful living? HE awaits your decision. And for those of you who already know the difference, isn’t HE an awesome JOY-GIVER!

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Author of e-Books

 *  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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