Joy in the Pressing

It may seem like all the pieces around you are falling down, but the reality is God knows where all the pieces fall. He knows the outcome, and He wants you to entrust Him with pure and authentic faith.

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As a child growing up, one of my favorite games was Dominoes. However, I hardly ever played the game according to the instructions. I would line up all of the game pieces at the right distances so that when one would fall it would start a reaction of them all falling. I can remember listening to the sound of the tap of each domino falling against the nearest game piece. My eyes would follow the train with the expectation of picking up all of the pieces and starting over again.

At some point in our lives, we may have surrounded ourselves with people or choices that led to our ultimate downfall, leaving us on the floor in a tangled web of sins and calamity. Perhaps you are one with the gift of discernment who was able to see the disaster waiting for you if you did not make the right choice. Maybe you have been put in a situation that you had no control over, or it is what you were born into.

Ultimately, you can not change the shoes you have already walked in or been placed in, but you can choose to make a decision that will cause a positive reaction to unfortunate circumstances. In life, you are bound to have circumstances that hurt emotionally, spiritually, physically, and financially. The Bible tells us in John 16:33 that the trouble coming is inevitable.

John 16:33, NIV | “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

We all have a choice in our reactions to the tests and trials that are placed on our journey. In fact, the Bible even tells us to consider our trials pure joy because when the trial finishes, we will be mature and complete. If we take the trials and look at them with joy, we can know that our Father has a specific and special lesson for us personally. It’s time for us to mature and grow in our faith, but I can say with complete confidence that all things work together for the good of those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

James 1: 2-4, NIV | Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

It may seem like all the pieces around you are falling down, but the reality is God knows where all the pieces fall. He knows the outcome, and He wants you to entrust Him with pure and authentic faith.

Whatever you are facing, do so with a cheerful heart, drawing near to God so that His peace and love can overwhelmingly transcend over and through you. Just ask God for the grace to endure the trials you are facing in a way that will glorify Him.

James 4:19, ESV | “Therefore, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”

With all my love and encouragement,

Hannah Boyd

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This is an updated edition of a post originally published at barefootinaholler.com

Featured Image by Priscilla du Preez

The views and opinions expressed by Kingdom Winds Collective Members, authors, and contributors are their own and do not represent the views of Kingdom Winds LLC.

About the Author

Hannah Boyd is an Atlanta native and writes for Barefoot In A Holler. She has found her calling encouraging others to discover their faith, continue to grow in their faith, and living a reconciled and redeemed life through Jesus Christ. She has a strong desire to ignite pilot lights of those who have lost their way. She lives in eastern Kentucky with her husband and two young boys. When life isn’t too busy, you can find her barefoot on her porch drinking coffee and enjoying a peaceful life in the holler.