by Kim Avery
“They’re baaaack,” or so the corny line from the 3rd rate horror movie goes, and it’s true. Well, almost. It would be more accurate to say, “It’s baaaack,” as in that virulent case of laryngitis that stole three months of my life this past spring. Three months.
Crazy, isn’t it? I mean who has ever heard of a case of laryngitis stalking someone like a hungry shark on a summer day? And not just someone but a very talkative woman? And not just a woman but a Life Coach who spends her days talking ON THE PHONE? And if I were to be really honest, I wonder why speechlessness is dogging not just a female Life Coach who makes her living talking on the phone, but why is it chasing me!?
Joy Is Good
You see, I am all about joy. I like being happy. I’m quick to smile. And I avoid elective pain at all costs. In Kim’s world, joy is good; suffering is bad.
Suffering Seems Bad
Unfortunately, that rule of thumb doesn’t bode well for those who live in a world filled with brokenness, death, disease, and pain. If my mood were dependant on the things that happen around me and to me, I might as well give up now.
But it doesn’t.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
… in this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory…
I Peter 1:3-9
I have been born again, and I have a living hope > My hope comes from the resurrection of Jesus Christ > Trials will come but they can’t threaten what Christ has given > By believing in Him, I can rejoice with joy that is literally inexpressible. Good thing it’s inexpressible, since I can’t talk again
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Trust me, you will never catch me loving pain. I don’t run towards trials. And I will absolutely pray, “Lord, if it’s Your will, may this trial quickly pass.” But in the meantime, I’m planning to fight for joy every time, because I am His, and He is mine.
I’m praying for joy in this current trial today. How can I pray for you?
















