James 1:2-3 - "Another In The Fire"

Some days are more challenging than others. It is definitely more challenging to fly in today's world than it was a couple years ago. Delays are the new norm and when one happens there is a trickle down effect on all aspects of the trip. I was reminded yesterday of the words of James 1:2-3 as I found myself getting grumpy. It is in the challenges of life that we have the choice to give the enemy an open door or we can embrace and learn from such challenges. There is always something to be thankful for in the midst of challenges. We cannot be nearly as easy to be crabby when we are being grateful. The more we focus on God the less we will think about our present circumstances. Challenges are things put in our life for a reason. Yesterday in the course of the hours spent sitting in airports I had a lot of time to think and pray. I had work with me to do yet my laptop stayed in the bag. I told one friend I felt 'out of sorts' and couldn't concentrate on the projects I had to do. Praying is the best thing to get my mind on the right path. I started my day yesterday praying with Katelyn as she continues to struggle with stage four cancer. I continue to pray for her and her family through these difficult days. If I were in their shoes, how could I embrace James 1:2-3? How could I feel joy when faced with such a devastating thing in life? The only way to get through such times is to lean into God's strength and allow Him to not just get you through it but to glorify Him through it. I had opportunity during the day to pray for some people who were physically struggling to function and for some people who are struggling in relationships. The more I prayed the less I focused on my own circumstances. The key to having joy in the midst of challenges is to keep Jesus first. 

Jesus

Others

Yourself

I am reminded this morning of the song "Another In The Fire" that United sings. It reminds me that no matter what challenges come my way God is with me.

There'll be another in the fire
Standing next to me
There'll be another in the waters
Holding back the seas
And should I ever need reminding
How good You've been to me
I'll count the joy come every battle
'Cause I know that's where You'll be
I can see the light

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for getting me through the challenges with flying! Thank You for reminding me to stay focused on You and to be grateful! Thank You for Andy taking me to the airport and June picking me up from the airport! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. I pray for Donna who is having knee replacement surgery today, Cathy who had shoulder surgery yesterday, and Wanda's family with the death of her husband's uncle. May You be so near to these dear ladies. May You continue to be with: Andy and his family with Katelyn's situation; Kaye and her family; Rachael; my Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; Ashley Foor; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Katelyn; Chrissy's cousin; Shirley Jones; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; Susan; and a dear friend awaiting an oncologist appointment. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, Russ, a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam; Darryle and his family; and Janis' mother, I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. I pray for Melinda and Todd with all they are going through. Thank You for being My Joy! Amen.