Can Pain and Joy Coexist?

Somebody needs to hear today that pain and joy can coexist. In fact, when these two become traveling companions, they create something mysteriously new and beautiful in us.

From the time I was a child until now, God has allowed increasingly large mountains to erupt through the landscape of my life. Now I’m not one to go out looking for pain, but I have grown to appreciate trials for one reason. Trials are my training ground. The rugged terrain forces me to flex my muscles of faith, rest on the promises of God and then flex again. This God-ordained training program has sculpted me into a stronger, more effective servant of God.  

What mountain are you facing today? Don’t be afraid of it. Let your eyes gaze at its peak and believe that the view from the top will be breath-taking. Now fix your thoughts, not on the darkness that’s in front of you, but on Jesus, whose love for you cannot be fathomed. Whatever lies ahead, he’s got you. He put his Holy Spirit inside of you to strengthen you.

Romans 8:26-28 in The Message says that “the moment we get tired, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.”

As you and I face trials, I believe God is calling us to first know his promises and then dare to live our lives like God’s servant, Abraham, who was “fully convinced that God had the power to do what he had promised” (Romans 4:20). Abraham did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God. I love this because if Abraham -- whose heart, mind and soul were wrapped in weak human flesh -- could face his trials with strength and joy, you and I can too. 

My fellow sojourner, you need not fear what’s in front of you today or what lurks in the shadows of tomorrow, for your God is always with you. Always. He goes before you and covers the rugged path with his grace and love. He is your rear guard and a constant shield around you. Your faith is strong. Your heart is bold. Your mind is wise and your spirit is well within you. You are more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ who loves you. Praise God who did not spare even his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give you all things? God has given you everything you need, in Christ, to conquer that mountain in front of you. Rise up, Chosen and Crowned daughter of God. Let the joy of the Lord be your strength.

Anna Frye is a speaker, author, television host and founder of the Chosen and Crowned tribe. She invites moms and wives to celebrate imperfect progress fueled by the grace of a perfect God. She helps women bravely talk about the messy places of life, instead of hiding shamefully under them. She believes that lasting beauty comes when women courageously surrender their ashes to God and allow him to do something mind-blowingly amazing with them. If this resonates with you, then you belong with the Chosen and Crowned tribe. Connect at www.ChosenAndCrowned.com/blog