Joy

This is the third week of Advent - Joy.  While looking for a graphic to post on our church Facebook page, I came across the one above.  It hit me because yesterday I was speaking with a colleague who also traveled the journey of infertility.  We talked about how difficult it was, but continuing in faith and finding something in the midst of it.  We couldn't really describe it.  She used the word "contentment", but I think we both knew it was more than being content.  Then this morning, I saw this and knew what it was we were trying to describe - it is joy.  Joy does not equate to happiness; oh, quite the contrary.  We both spoke of the indescribable sorrow we have felt, but in the midst of the deepest sorrow, you can still find joy.  Joy then does provide contentment and peace in the situation because joy does not come from ourselves.  It only comes from the One in whom we have faith - Jesus Christ.

So during this Advent season, ponder on what you can find joy in during difficult times. Ponder while you're waiting for an answer on the One who has the Master plan for your life.  Think on the Child in whom's arrival we're preparing to celebrate, and why He was sent here.  

Contentment

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound.  Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:11-13

As of Friday morning my cycle was 4 days late.  I knew that if we made it past that day, we could take “The Test” and hopefully after six long years see a miracle arrive in our lives.  By lunch I knew there would be no need to test this month.  I shared with my co-worker that this late cycle for me is like buying a lottery ticket when you hear the prize is $1 billion (it happens about as often).  It’s fun to think about, hope for, even pray for (I can tell you that Indiana would not have to worry about children stuck as wards of the state if I ever did win a billion dollars!), but you know the odds are stacked against you.  It’s simple statistics.  That is how Friday went, so I closed my office door toward the end of the day and cried when I could no longer hold back the sadness.

The most amazing thing always happens though.  I can never cry very long because I think of my husband that loves me, my two adorable cats that are waiting at home for me, my beautiful home that provides shelter, and most importantly, my Savior who died my sinner’s death so I can have eternal life.  My Savior provides contentment in whatever state I am and allows me to do ALL things through Him.

I can tell you that this is not easy and the key to success is in verse 13.  With that, it makes me think of a saying you hear frequently that is completely false, so don’t believe it!  It is, “God won’t give you anything you can’t handle.”  You see, we are weak, sinful humans.  I can honestly tell you that infertility is more than I can handle.  Being downsized from a job I loved is more than I could handle.  Keeping my mouth shut when I’m angry is more than I can handle.  However, here I am; handling all of these things.  How?  Verse 13: I can do ALL things THROUGH CHRIST who strengthens me!  Through Christ’s strength, I can stand and not my own!  When you’re in that valley and you don’t see the end of it, make sure you have invited Christ to walk that valley with you.  His strength will pull you through and even provide you contentment along the way.