~JOY amidst difficult circumstances ~

"Some may see Hope, those who do not know her, and silently think 'how sad'. Hope is confined to a wheelchair and is only able to use her left hand. As a baby she could not do anything by herself. Much like all babies. She needed her mom and dad to feed her, dress her and care for all her daily needs. As she has grown older many of these needs have not changed. We still continue to dress her and care for all her daily needs such as bath rooming, showers, dressing. For the most part Hope finds her body "useless" as she has said in the recent past. However, if you spend anytime around Hope you will be blessed by her JOY. Hope is not a complainer, she goes about life living it fully. Seemingly unaware of her differences or others pity and even rejection at times. Jesus shines through Hope and for those who take the time to stop and listen will be touched by His joy and peace. Hope is like the healthy tree planted by a stream which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. The JOY of the Lord is Hope's strength.

I want to be like that tree. Joy should not dependent on my circumstances. Thankfulness is a way to stay firmly planted in the JOY of the Lord. Those roots grow deep and find the water. So even in the dry and thirsty land ~ trials and tribulations, we can have the joy of the Lord. Because the truth is ~ God will supply your needs according to His riches and glory~ and because of that promise we can have JOY.

Today God answered my simple pray "help me I can't do it" and He did it!!! Thank you Lord Jesus for caring about the small things that are big things to me that attempt to come in and steal my joy.

What is trying to steal your joy? An illness, a disablility, finances, a relationship, circumstances you did not create? The list is endless. Some are temporary and others last a lifetime. Hope's disability is for life, but God has given her pure JOY that is her strength. God will give you what you need too just ask him. There is no magic prayer. He is the living water to our soul nothing else will satisfy.