Our Troubles Will Turn to Joy

“You will grieve, but your grief will become joy.” John 16:20

When I was pregnant, I was filled with anxiety. I was 38 years old, it was my first time (and only time) to be pregnant. I had spotting, pre-eclampsia, and pains in my pelvic region. And the baby would have spasms of what would turn out to be bouts of hiccups.

Because of my fears, I would nag God, and “pray without ceasing". Then I felt God say to me, “Patsy, when you hold your baby in your arms, you will know how much I love you." True enough, my delivery was quick, almost painless. And when I held my baby, I was just surrounded with God’s love. 

When Joshua arrived, he had a big nose and even bigger ears. My mom was so dismayed that she pestered God to make Joshua cute. It so happens that God answers even silly prayers like that and Josh was the cutest baby ever!

There are many times in our life that give us anxiety, fear, grief, or pain. We go through many challenges. But if we HOPE in God, 'pray without ceasing', and trust that God always wants the best for us, ALL our troubles will turn into JOY!

"When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world.” John 16:21