My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. — James 1:2 KJV
As we live through a different kind of Holy Week, we find ourselves gathering together in our places of worship to celebrate Good Friday, followed two days later by the Resurrection of Christ; just know, WE are the church!
This is a time when Christians reflect on the passion of Jesus Christ, who died for our sins on Good Friday. The good news is, he rose from the dead, by walking right out of the tomb on Resurrection Sunday or, to some, Easter Sunday. He died for my sins and yours, to give new life to all who believe.
Saints of God from all faiths, this is not a time for playing church. Allow this time for deep reflection, as you look back over your life, see the salvation of the Lord. His grace and mercy has kept you and me. As you ponder, make a new vow to the Lord to serve him until he calls you home.
Just the way they hung Jesus to Calvary’s cross and he suffered, how many times have you found yourself in a situation when you find yourself suffering, and you wonder, “What in the world is THIS all about Lord?” I sure have.
This time it is not just our usual trials and tribulations, we’re in the midst of tens of thousands of workers who have been laid off from their so-called “good government” jobs, something that has always been guaranteed over the 70-plus years of my life. When my family moved to Washington, D.C., as previous sharecroppers, it was during the Great Migration, when we as African Americans left the South in hopes for a better life. We landed here in D.C., and I heard the phrase over and over again, “get yourself a good government job!” Wow, look at what has happened after years of security among workers. Most workers find themselves living in fear and they will tremble until this era is finally finished.
Just like the song says, “Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Were you there when they nailed him to the tree? Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble. Were you there when they nailed him to the tree? Were you there when they pierced him in the side? Were you there when the sun refused to shine? Were you there when they laid him in the tomb? Were you there when he rose up from the dead? Sometimes I feel like shouting ‘Glory, glory, glory!'”
It is clear that many will ask, “Lord, why do you want us to endure these trials and tribulations; and why should we be told to count them all joy?”
1 Peter 1:7 says, “where the testing of our faith is compared, is like comparing it to the quality and purity of gold.” The Book of James also tells us in 1:2 that these trials have a purpose.
You ARE on a mission, and nothing will stop your run. The Holy Spirit is with you as you walk in your anointed purpose! Are you someone who has not been walking in your purpose? Then take this time given to tens of thousands laid-off workers, when you must stay at home, looking for new opportunities. Look within.
When trials and tribulations came my way, all I could do was have a quick talk with Jesus. I remember saying, “Jesus, I’m in trouble right now, I need you to order my steps!” My steps surely were ordered, miracles happened. God kept me, just as if nothing had happened to me, like he did for the three Hebrew boys. In fact, as if it had been already planned that way. My steps were indeed ordered by the Lord.
You will know for sure your test did not break you, even during times like this tremendous federal government layoff that’s finding its way through every federal agency. Count it ALL joy. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good, to them who love God and are the called according to his purpose!”
Lyndia Grant is a speaker/writer living in the D.C. area. Her radio show, “Think on These Things,” airs Fridays at 6 p.m. on 1340 AM (WYCB), a Radio One station. To reach Grant, go to her website, www.lyndiagrant.com, email lyndiagrantshowdc@gmail.com or call 240-602-6295. Follow her on X @LyndiaGrant and on Facebook.