In 1985, my family and I endured what they dubbed “the year from hell.” In March, I went home to visit my parents after 2.5 years on the mission field.
While there, I felt God speak to my heart that the foundations of my life would shift that year. I thought it was odd, and to be honest, I was confused, but I settled in my heart that I would embrace whatever reality was on its way. Sure enough, a few weeks later, my mom was diagnosed with cancer. The doctor gave her less than six months to live. My family and I did the best we could to keep our hopes up, but it was difficult, as her condition got worse—and quickly.
A few weeks after my mother’s diagnosis, I accepted a job as the missions director at Oral Roberts University, and while there, I began dating Tamara. Since we had dated before, we knew quickly we would be married.
The day we got engaged, my parents were so happy. Unfortunately, neither of them got to attend the wedding. In August, my dad died of a heart attack. My mother died December 9th—just 12 days before the wedding. She was buried in the dress she had bought for our big day.
For months, I was caught up in a whirlwind of sorrow. I felt the Holy Spirit so close during that time, as He comforted me in my grief. One day, though, about six months after my mother’s death, I felt God shift something in my heart. I felt Him say, “Jim, there is a time for me to comfort you, and there is a time for me to lead you. Will you let me lead you into joy?”
It was in this season I realized how much of a choice joy really is. We’ll always face difficulty in our lives on this earth—and sometimes it feels it’s all at once! But when we choose joy amidst it, our heart become receptive to God’s leading. And He always leads us to something beautiful.
See, this seemingly hopeless ending was also the beginning of something incredible—my life with Tamara, which I am abundantly grateful for. But to embrace it, I had to choose joy—even when I didn’t feel like it.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19, Paul gives us the pathway to choosing joy amidst our trials—rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in everything, and pursue God’s presence, even when we don’t want to.
I’m not sure how 2023 has been for you, but if it’s been a difficult year, I want to encourage you: Acknowledge the disappointment, allowing the Holy Spirit to comfort you. But please, don’t stay there! Embrace the pathway to joy, knowing your Father God has prepared a testimony on the other side of your trial.
Happy New Year, friends. I am praying that 2024 will be a year of intentional, incredible JOY that floods your hearts and homes in every season!
