Move the Fulcrum

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. (James 1:2-4, ESV)

In the above passage of scripture we are reminded that trials will come. It’s not a matter of if, but a matter of when. Each trial serves a greater purpose in the Lord. God is refining our character and developing the image of His Son in us with every trial we face. We become more Christlike as we lean into God through the difficult times.

I find that I don’t have to lose my joy when these trials hit. All I have to do is move the fulcrum. I have to shift my focus for a little while. A lot of other things get done on auto-pilot as I shift my focus to the trial at hand or the thing that I need to focus on more at the time.

I’ve used this method of thinking through my dad’s accident, when I broke a few different bones, when I experienced the trauma after my son Zion’s birth, when I experienced difficult health issues, and numerous other times. Nothing has to tip the apple cart over. My life is in God’s hands. Everything that happens to me is Father filtered. Filtered through the hands of love that hold me fast. I can trust that God has a purpose through everything I face and He will bring good through it. That’s His promise to me in Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” God works ALL things together for my good!

There’s a phrase I often repeat to myself when things get tough. Nothing bad lasts forever! 

Everything we face in life has an expiration date, so let’s choose to learn what we can through every trial allowing it to further equip us and teach us how to be more Christlike. The next time you’re going through something tough, please tell yourself, “This won’t last forever. What can I learn from it to help me be more like the man or woman God has called me to be?”

Dear Father God, Please teach me how to move the fulcrum when things get tough. May I always fix my eyes on You. May I remember that you are the Author and Perfecter of my faith. Nothing I face is in vain but all of it serves a purpose in You. May I trust Your promise that says, “All things will work together for my good.”

Living a Joy-Filled Life,