How to Have Joy When Facing Trials
OPENING PRAYER:
Lord, help me to realize how much you care for me no matter what trials I face.. Amen
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 NIV
REFLECT:
The first thought that enters our minds when we hear “cancer” as the result of a biopsy is not, “How can I use this as an opportunity for spreading God’s Word?” But this was the thought that Mary Kranick, former Mission’s Director at Pathway and currently part of the “Missionary Member Care Team” with Team Expansion, had when she was diagnosed with cancer in 2021. She told all who knew her that she wanted to use this as an opportunity to be a positive witness for Christ.
She was true to her word and has been a most positive witnesses for Jesus Christ throughout the surgery and chemo. She built an amazing prayer support team to hold her up when she experienced her down times that go with surgery recovery and the devastating effects of chemotherapy. She used all these events to talk about how God was walking right beside her and lifting her up. She communicated Isaiah 41:10. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (NIV), as a description of how God was guiding her through her recovery.
She has been able to continue with her ministry of serving the needs of missionaries under her care through daily Zoom visits and serving in her church. She is truly demonstrating that there can be joy even when facing a cancer diagnosis and recovery.
APPLY:
Feeling joy when faced with a trial, such as a struggle with cancer, is not easy. Mary did many things right. One of the first things she did was to make the decision that the long road was a ministry opportunity. Secondly, she developed a strong prayer support team and was transparent with each of the members about how she was feeling and what her prayer needs were. Thirdly, she turned to the Word. Her “go to” Scriptures were Psalm 23, followed by Psalm 121, Philemon 1:4-7, Psalm 62:5-7, and Isaiah 41:10. Fourthly, she continued her daily routine as much as possible. Throughout all of this her husband, Rich, walks beside and supports her.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? I realize my help comes from the You Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2 NIV adapted) Amen