Count it All Joy

I t was a spring morning on April 12, 1992. The birds in a tree nearby were singing at my bedroom window. I love to hear them sing in the morning. It seems as though they have a message for us. That was a day that I would come before the Lord in prayer, fasting, and reading of the Scriptures until noon. That particular day, my burden was really heavy. After I began to meditate, I felt relieved. Then there was this audible voice that said, “Write a book.” I said, “Write a book?” This voice said again, “Write a book, so that your life can be an example to people who are having trials in their lives also.” I knew then that that voice was the voice of the Lord. He said this book would help many people. Sometimes God deals with us through tribulation so that we will become stronger and steadfast in spite of them. That made a lot of sense to me. Then I began to write. The Holy Spirit guided my thoughts while I did the writing. James 1:2-3 says, “My brethren count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” If we pray for patience, trials will come. Perseverance must finish its work so that we may be mature to grow to perfection. I am writing this book with permission from God, through his son Jesus, and the complete guidance of the Holy Spirit. If it wasn’t for the Lord, I would have given up, but he kept me going on. My advice to anyone is that if you know the Lord, love him with all your heart and soul. If you don’t know him, get to know him.