Count It All Joy

 

Scripture: James 1:2

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It is my prayer that this post will inspire all but especially intercessors.  Recently, I was on a prayer call with my core team.  That day was challenging for all of us. The enemy was attacking each of us differently from every angle.  We know the enemy’s agenda is to distract us and to get us off the wall. 

My crisis on that day was financial.  One of the areas I have been working on is building up my savings account.  So when I discovered a nail in my tire in the most peculiar place; I was livid.  Replacing a tire or tires was not my intention later in the year.  In addition to what I was experiencing; another core team members decided not to join the call as well.  She was having a challenge in her life. Despite my trial, I encouraged her to join the call, so she could be in the midst of the prayer.  Be immersed in God’s presence. 

As we began to intercede that night, I heard the Lord clearly say, “Count it all Joy.”  He kept saying those words, to the point they  resonated with my soul.   After the call, I went directly to the passage of scripture in James 1 and read it.  My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials. One thing we know to follow Jesus does not exempt us from trials.  But His word teaches us how to stand during trials and tribulation. 

After reading James 1 a few times,   I began to reflect on what joy really meant.  Do we have to pray for joy? First, joy means choosing to respond to external circumstances, with inner contentment and satisfaction.  As we know, Galatians 5: 20-21, tells us that one of the Fruit of the Spirit is “joy.”  In my opinion, we do not have to pray for joy but we need to remind ourselves that we have it when trials arise. We should thank God for the joy that is already within us. His unspeakable joy. 

As we begin to praise and thank God for His joy, I believe our attitudes will shift and the joy of the Lord takes over.  I know my attitude changed during the financial situation after I began to praise God for having the funds to get new tires.  God used that situation to teach me how to truly “Count it all Joy!

About the Author:

Dr. Chavonne D. Stewart is a watchman, prophetic intercessor, and worshipful warrior; she carries a profound hunger and thirst for the Holy spirit.  Guided by the word of Isaiah 6:8 NIV. In addition to her ministry work Dr. Chavonne is  an experienced education specialist, consultant and author, known for her transformative work in leadership training and  development. She focuses on coaching authentic women leaders. Dr. Stewart's dedication to education and leadership, coupled with her passion for travel and family, embodies her as both a professional and a role model and mentor for women.