King David writes:
“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.
BY THEM IS YOUR SERVANT WARNED; IN KEEPING THEM THERE IS GREAT REWARD.” Psalm 19:7-11
Obeying God is how we can live a rich, full life.
Jesus said: “The thief (devil) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
Suffering is expected in this life: “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” Romans 8:22-23
However, God has promised His children goodness and love: “Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life…” Psalm 23:6
To avoid unneccesary temptation and evil, all we have to do is obey and pray: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. “ Matthew 6:13 Jesus would not tell us to pray if He wouldn’t answer.
God gives us trials to develop our faith: “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.” James 1:2-4
If we could just learn to “consider it pure joy” when facing trials!
Our cows wandered to the neighbors because our electric fence lost its power. Two bulls wouldn’t come home (our neighbor had a cute lady cow in heat) despite all efforts. My husband Jim decided to have our neighbor shoot them so we could butcher them. We were planning to butcher one earlier, but never had the time. We still didn’t have the time and had spent the whole winter watering and feeding them—but little choice. A friend from church helped skin the animals and cut the meat into quarters. Jim had to take care of the meat between finishing other commitments before leaving for a 10 day business trip. We tried to find help at the last minute. Finally, Jim said, “I guess it is just you and me.” Jim had to put the heavy quarters in clear bag and carry them to the shed by himself. I held the bags and wrapped the meat for Cocoa. Jim even had time to cut one of the quarters cut into eating size pieces before we left for church in the evening. I said, “I think we did pretty good.” Jim teased, “At least you are cheaper.”
We had to keep most of the meat in a shed for a week until we got enough freezer space. I cooked meat for Cocoa and moved things from our house freeze to our fridge freezer, put things from our outdoor freezer into our indoor freezer and put things like flour and bread into the shed because they didn’t really need really cold temperatures.
All the time I was praying that the weather would stay cold. We also needed warm weather because our water freezes and the warmer the weather the better. Jim would have to spend an hour thawing ice every few days. An example of the problem it caused and how busy we were: Thursdays I go into work with Jim. When we came home, I went out to empty some meat cooked for Cocoa out of pots so we could warm water (we save water in pails for the cows) to thaw ice. Our cow, May, and steer, Chocolate, were out of their pasture and bothering me (we feed them so they are too friendly). By the time Jim got outdoors, they had gone to our neighbors. Jim had to drive the Quad to entice them home with grain. When Cocoa and I walked up the road to meet them, May and Chocolate were walking calmly in front of Jim who had a pitchfork at his side. I wish I had a camera! Then Jim fixed the electric fence. After that he had to thaw ice. We ate about 10 and were in bed after midnight, per usual. One month’s worth of Jim’s adventures could fill a book!
Another friend from church had donated a freezer for the Bible camp (first year of operation will be this summer, God willing), and it would be ready Sunday. Saturday, Jim did a lot of shoveling and plowing to get a freezer we had in storage. I didn’t realize this and was starting to get upset because he wasn’t moving meat into the space I had worked so hard to provide, and the meat needed to be kept cold. Good thing I didn’t say anything because he had enough on his mind.
Well, the weather stayed almost cold enough. We needed all the freezers space and had just made it before warmer weather!
God had provided! We just have to listen closely to His directions and do all we can. I wish I could say I calmly enjoyed every moment, but that is a lesson I am learning.
Not only that, but God provided a special blessing. Monday (the day after finishing the meat), Jim was leaving for his trip. He was coming home to load up some things after spending part of the day (turned out to be all day) at work before driving four hours (turned out to be eight hours–he had to skip the first town because of time).
I watered and gave the cows hay and grain (usually Jim’s job) about noon. About five, I felt maybe the cows should have more hay. In the hay box was a black thing much too big to be a hat (I can’t see that well, especially without my glasses). It moved and I realized it was a calf! I had recently said, “I wonder if May is pregnant”! Jim was just driving in the yard. The calf was dry, and Jim took her in the shed and made a hay bed for her. Our neighbor’s calf born a couple days sooner had died in -33 temperature, so the fact that our calf was alive and dry, and that we found her really was a blessing/miracle!
Our calf didn’t come out of the shed for a few days. I knew she was alive, but I wasn’t sure she was nursing. I called the veterinarian’s assistant, and she suggested having the vet see her that evening when he came to town. It would be worth the expense if I needed him, but I prayed specifically that the calf would be out running around when I got home from town that evening. She was! He didn’t need to come.
I could go on and on about the blessings God has given us but back to what I am trying to say.
We need to learn to rejoice in our trials. Worry and fear keep us from peace and joy. They keep us from recognizing God’s blessings and praising Him. Worry and fear can cause much suffering; they can cause wars. At the very least they are a waste of time. Jesus said: “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Luke 12:25
There is a balance. We need to be concerned enough and wise enough to pray, to talk to God—not just saying as some unbelievers even say, “Everything will turn out OK.”
Jesus suffered great agony: "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” Luke 22:42-44
But it was in perfect trust: “…who for the joy set before him endured the cross…” Hebrews 12:2
Jesus was filled with joy in the midst of life’s troubles: “…God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy." Hebrews 1:9
Some things we won’t have to suffer because Jesus paid the price for us. Other things we will. Jesus said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23
We need to trust and obey and then we can rejoice in our trials.