Joyful Trials

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything...Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test , he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:2-4, 12

This is my favorite passage in the Bible, not just because it's good stuff, but because it outlines the pattern of mine and my family's life. These words speak volumes to me.

When I was in the third grade (I was living in Lubbock, TX at this point) the Sr. pastor at our church left....followed by roughly 76% of our congregation. Because our church was so large, we were not able to keep paying many of the staff members due to loss of tithes and offerings. My dad was one of those staff members as an Associates Pastor. But this was only the beginning of a new journey for the Reinhardt family.

Soon after my dad was released from the staff my parents felt a call to Vancouver, WA. We moved and for the first 13 months in a new home both of my parents were unemployed. Yet, God had provided a way for us to live. And I don't mean just off of scraps. We had a home, plenty of food, and yes, money for fun.

Moving along...ever since our move, up through highschool, I had personally struggled with relationships. I had a hard time making friends and keeping the ones I had. To top it off, I had two older sisters...which resulted in low self-esteem. Even though I eventually broke free from the comparison game and finally became my own person, I still didn't have strong, healthy, memorable relationships. The only real support I ever recieved was from my family and my home church. So pretty much I was getting alot of encouragement from youth leaders, pastors, influential older people. All of it was and still is very appreciated, but I didn't have the same support and love coming from my peers.

But God still had a plan. He called me to the field of ministry and gave me a heart of worship. I came to Ozark and everything has been uphill since then. My dad has recently founded his own ministry known as "Dweller at the Thicket Ministries" and has yet to begin writing ten books that God has placed on his heart. Not to mention, the Lord has saved our family from financial ruts numerous times. We've all suffered our part. And we've all overcome.

So, "consider is pure joy...whenever you face trials of many kinds..." Persevere and recieve the crown of life that God has promised. He has saved me oh so many times and I know he will continue to do so. And let this be an encouragement to you. I know that times get hard and almost unbearable. Things will seem impossible. My life is living proof that nothing is impossible. Cliche, I know. Just be joyful always and matters will become easier. Not easy, but easier. But God brings peace and fulfillment. And He has a crown awaiting you...