Anyone else think trials don’t sound fun? The word makes me cringe and want to hide. Trials? Nope, no thanks, none for me please. And joy in the midst? Easier said than done right? But we all face trials. Some are big, some are small, some go quick, and others last far too long. But trials are part of the bargain. They’re part of being human. And the way we respond to them plays a part in sharing Jesus to the world.
I loved how Stephanie said that choosing joy is “training your heart to trust in God’s goodness and faithfulness.” TRAINING. It’s work. But it’s good. And it’s worth it.
I’m a high school theatre teacher, and just this week I shared a quote by one of my favorite directors:
“You cannot hide: your growth as an artist is not separate from your growth as a human being. Both are visible.” -Anne Bogart
Your story matters, and your story affects your art. Your art matters, and your art affects your story. I told my kids this again and again and again, but boy did my heart need to hear it, too. The things I’ve walked through (and I’m still walking through!) have a purpose. They’ve grown me, stretched me, shaped me, and connected me to so many others in ways I’d never imagine. Not just as an artist, but as a follower of Christ. As a human being.
When it comes down to it, in the midst of trials, I really have two options. Two responses: be still and pray. All the hustle in the world won’t work away the pain, and complaining about the issue does far less than praying about the situation. In those places, in the quiet and the expectant waiting, in the midst of a heartfelt prayer, God moves. God hears. God draws near.
He’s done it before and He’ll do it again. All we must do is trust.
How He Loves Us devotional kit by Illustrated Faith and Bella Blvd from DaySpring | Illustrated Faith by Bella Blvd Bright & Brave Diecuts | Illustrated Faith by Bella Blvd Tabbies | Illustrated Faith by Bella Blvd Precision Pen | Illustrated Faith by Bella Blvd Tape Roller | Illustrated Faith by Bella Blvd Black Ink Pad | Illustrated Faith by Bella Blvd Acrylic Stamp Block | Faber Castell Big Brush Pens in light green 171
![Bible journaling entry by Bailey Robert | Gratitude Documented Day 10 | Music [Psalm 104:33]](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAxMDAwIDEwMDAiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjEwMDAiIGRhdGEtdT0iaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuaWxsdXN0cmF0ZWRmYWl0aC5jb20lMkZ3cC1jb250ZW50JTJGdXBsb2FkcyUyRjIwMTclMkYxMSUyRmdyYXRpdHVkZS1kb2N1bWVudGVkLW11c2ljLTA1LmpwZyIgZGF0YS13PSIxMDAwIiBkYXRhLWg9IjEwMDAiIGRhdGEtYmlwPSIiPjwvc3ZnPg==)
