Every morning during quiet time, I would pray for my boys to get along, for our day to go smoothly, and for them to cooperate and do their schoolwork with a good attitude. Yet day after day, this prayer wasn’t answered. Well, certainly not answered in the way I anticipated. I was continually discouraged and frustrated. What could be so bad about praying for, and having, a gloriously, cooperative day?

Then God began to show me how my prayers were a little off base. First of all, He never promises me that life will be smooth, easy, and cooperative.

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Why do I expect things to go so easily? I think this is another tactic of the enemy – helping me to set up unrealistic expectations. Then when they’re unfulfilled, I am downcast, annoyed, and discontent. I really shouldn’t be surprised or confused by the trials which come my way. In fact, I am called to rejoice. Am I joyful in trials? Not usually. It just doesn’t come naturally for me. I tend towards the whining end of the spectrum.

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:12-13

I am certainly not of higher status than Jesus. So why do I often expect to be treated better than Him, or have an easier life? I am to rejoice to the extent that I am allowed to partake of Christ’s sufferings.

Not only that, but trials bring about my maturity. Isn’t that what most of us want to see as we walk this earth robed in Jesus’ righteousness? I know that I want to be more spiritually mature. But God doesn’t just hand me a pill that I can swallow and be instantly mature. I have to be trained and refined, and in that process, I am to rejoice.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” James 1:5-6

I am also reminded that God will give me the wisdom I need in homeschooling my boys. I know that I often lack in this area. But God isn’t stingy or secretive. He merely says to ask Him. Not only will He give wisdom, but He will give it liberally. So I don’t have to try and figure all this out on my own. He will give wisdom that’s so much better than anything the world can offer or I can figure out on my own.

The last thing I see is that I don’t often ask for the right things in my prayers. Maybe that’s why I don’t have those prayers answered in the way I want. If I’m not promised a smooth and easy life, if maturity comes through trials, and if I want wisdom that’s beyond my own limited human version, then I need to change my prayers.

James 4:3 “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.”

Truly, when I’m praying that our homeschool days go off without a hitch, it really is about my own comfort. It’s so much easier for me if my boys cooperate and get their work done promptly. Then I don’t have to take the time to teach those lessons about considering others before yourself, honoring others, working as unto the Lord, and dying to self. I might actually have some time to do something I want to do. But don’t I really want boys who will live according to God’s will for their lives? Of course I do. And just as I don’t receive an “instant spiritual maturity” pill, neither do they. I’m a tool in God’s hands used to train and refine them. To help them learn to walk worthy of His calling. Therefore, I will immerse myself each morning in prayer and God’s word so that I can stand and persevere in this battle for the souls of my sons.

Heavenly Father, I pray that each morning, I would be diligent to seek Your face and will for our day. Lord, help me remember to pray for strength and perseverance to stand in the battle, each and every day. May I ask for Your wisdom to know how appropriately handle the skirmishes that my boys engage in, with each other and with me. Show me how to use those moments to teach them to draw closer to You. We are engaged in a spiritual battle and I know there is an enemy of our souls who doesn’t want me to train my boys in godliness. Yet I need not fear his attacks, I need to be prepared each day, through prayer and Your word, trusting that You will equip me. Thank You for providing all that we need. Thank You for this blessed opportunity to train up my boys. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

On Mother’s Day this year, a dear friend’s father was taken up to be with Jesus. He left behind a loving and Godly wife, 4 beautiful and loving daughters, and a loving son on earth. I heard about the accident the day after it happened, but when I heard about it my heart broke and I wept for them! I have really never had to go through the trauma of losing a loved one, Thank God! But my heart is really breaking for my dear friends.

During this time of grieving, I have been researching sorrow and joy in the Bible. One that really is comforting in this time is:

Psalm 30:5
For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

One of my favorite worship songs is Trading My Sorrows. It is such a comforting thought to know that though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we can fear no evil because Jesus is there. It is so great to rely on the fact that though we walk through the valley at night, that joy comes in the morning!

Another verse that reminds me that sorrow does not last forever is:

John 16:22
And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

It is so relieving to know that when our joy does come, NO ONE can take it from us! A lot of the time we overlook joy in our lives. I think we worry too much on things that are a burden and we simply take the joy out of our lives. When we do that, it is a sorrowful place, because it is almost as though we have taken Jesus out. Jesus is Joy!

Finally, what joy we can have in knowing that:

Revelation 21:4
God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Oh what a day of joy that will be! No more sorrow, no more death! I am anxiously awaiting that day, because sorrow takes a lot out of you! I am so happy for my friends because when that day comes, they will be able to see their “daddy-pops” again!

Remember this week as you go along your life, that though there may be sorrow in your life, that it only lasts for a season, and then the joy comes!

Please remember to pray for my dear friends. They are hurting, I know and would really appreciate your prayers. Nothing will take away the pain they are feeling but Jesus. Let’s cry out to Jesus for them!

Love you, Mrs. L, Sandy, Celeste, Jordan and Sarah! HUGS!

Also, remember the Steven Curtis Chapman family. The family lost their youngest daughter when the oldest brother hit her with their suv. Please please pray for them! What a sad loss this is, especially for the oldest brother.

Prayers and Blessings,

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