Count It All Joy

As we approach Memorial Day let us take a moment to, count it all joy! We live in a nation where we can go to the church of our choosing and worship God. This nation was founded on religious freedom “with liberty and justice for all.” We are incredibly blessed to live in a prosperous nation and even though there are elements of sadness and difficulties in our society and the world – we must not lose heart. God is with us!

Let us always remember those who gave their lives so that we may walk in these liberties.

James 1:2 states, “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.”

If you have lost a loved one who has served may you be comforted in knowing “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalms 34:18).

It isn’t always easy to count it all joy, yet this is what brings life back into our spirit as we have hope for the future. I hope for our families and hope for our country. We put our trust in God, knowing that His word is true and we have evidence of His faithfulness for He has seen us through the most difficult trials and testing as individuals as well as a nation.

As I sat in the Veterans clinic this past week, waiting to be seen by the doctor, I spoke to several soldiers who had served in Vietnam. They proudly wore hats displaying their branch of service. During our conversation, it became clear that they were suffering the effects of Agent Orange (A herbicide and defoliant chemical, one of the “tactical use” Rainbow Herbicides. It was used by the U.S. military as a warfare program, Operation Ranch Hand, during the Vietnam War from 1961 to 1971). My father who also served in Vietnam suffered the effects of this chemical which contributed to his loss of health that led to his early death at age sixty-eight.

I was there in the office to see the doctor concerning a heart issue, yet somehow the Lord began to speak to me regarding these soldiers – their suffering. Their sacrifice! My thoughts went to the countless others who gave their lives for our nation that we might embrace the goodness of God in that we are free to express our faith. Just this past month my dear friend, Ruth (in China), lost her father because he was trying to stop the government from taking down the cross from their church. He fell and died shortly after having surgery on his brain. Police detained her mom, the pastor of the church, for taking a stand for her faith.

Yes, we are blessed in America to have the freedom to worship. Let us worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Let us be grateful for those who gave their lives for this freedom. May we give honor and praise each day to God that He sent His son Jesus Christ so that we may have abundant life here on earth and truly “count it all joy” even in difficult times of life. For truly – God has been good to us.

As we honor those who have given their lives for our freedom may we also continue to pray and “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous and be strong. Let all that we do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13&14).

God bless these United States of America, and may God bless you! My hope is that in the busyness of the weekend you take a moment to give thanks to God for all those who gave their lives for our freedom. And perhaps in doing so, you will also come to a greater – revelation of gratitude – for your life even in the most challenging times.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.”

Norine Rae has devoted her life to educating and empowering others to build successful life skills. In 2012, she completed her Master’s in Intellectual Leadership from A.W. Tozer Seminary through Simpson University. As an international speaker, minister, and teacher she has been blessed to travel throughout the world spreading the Gospel message. You can find her at her website NorineRae.org