An Opportunity for Joy

We are facing exceptionally new and challenging circumstances with the outbreak of Covid-19. We are in hard times both emotionally and financially. The concerns are real: worsening of chronic health problems, worsening of mental health conditions, loss of life, increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. Social distancing has caused isolation and disrupted routines. Normal revenue streams have greatly decreased for some and completely dried up for others. Fear is a thief. It robs us of sleep and changes our eating patterns. The temptation to give up and give in is strong during these times. So, we work diligently to not give in to fear that would cause us to worry about our own health and the health of our loved ones. God says these are times for opportunity.

In his letter to believers, James encourages us to consider troubles of any kind as an opportunity for joy (James 1:2). Your faith is absolutely being tested right now, and you are growing your endurance (1:3). You might discover that you do not have the answers to the new types of problems you are facing, but do not worry, God has you covered. James said if you need wisdom, just ask our generous God, and He will give it to you (1:4). God is not mad at you, and He will not rebuke you for asking (1:4). Strengthen your faith, in case you feel like it is wavering (1:5), because faithlessness is a common reaction when we go through hard times. God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation (1:12). After all, we are His prized possession (1:18).

So, what does this opportunity for joy look like practically? First, let me remind us all what an opportunity is. It is a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something. Wow, do we have opportunity! In Philippians 4:10-20, Paul writes to the Philippians about the gifts they gave to him and the impact of their giving. Paul greatly rejoiced when people met his needs (4:10). He believed people showed their concern through giving (4:10). People needed an opportunity to give (4:10), and the giver’s gift was not dependent upon the receiver’s need, whether in lack or abundance (4:11). Paul knew his needs were supplied directly from God, and God gave him the strength to endure all situations (4:11-12). He knew believers could share in each other’s sufferings through giving (4:14), and when believers gave, their gift was towards God as a sweet, fragrant, acceptable, well-pleasing sacrifice that would bear fruit for the Kingdom (4:17-18). God would supply all the needs of the giver and receiver, according to His riches (4:19).

Paul spoke to the church of Philippi about their giving from the attitude of contentment and trust towards God (Philippians 4:11). His life reflected his contentment. As believers, we choose to be content with little or much and trust in God to provide for our daily needs (4:12). Our strength to get through all of our hardships comes from Christ, and God continues to provide the strength we need (4:13). As believers, we practice the ministry of generosity. Giving and serving as God directs grows fruit that abounds in the eyes of God (Philippians 4:17-18). God is pleased with our gifts (Philippians 4:18) and consistently out gives us (4:19). Let us be reminded that God repays, not only as God of the receiver, but also as God of the giver. God takes what is done to someone we help as though it was done to himself (Matthew 10:41-42).

Now more than ever, let’s take the time to let others know we care about them. Leaders should build relationships with donors enough to know that the donors care (Philippians 4:10). They should be content and not make the gift about the need, but make the gift about the giver. Take the conversation beyond the circumstances, and discover how God is moving within the circumstances. Give hope…and in large quantities. Let’s encourage each other to seek strength from God in times of humble circumstances and in times of abundance (Philippians 4:12-13). Share how someone has impacted your life, and spread the joy to others (4:14-17). Giving is a spiritual act, a sacrifice unto the Lord directed by God for the work of His kingdom (4:17-18).

Let’s build each other up and make love our aim (1 Corinthians 14:1).

Many blessings, Dr. Diane Swanson