He will even use a headache

God says in his Word that we are to rejoice in trials.  In James 1:2 we read, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds."  Well, I have a headache this morning so I will give thanks to God for this trial.  To do so is not foolish; James goes on to say in verses 3 and 4, "because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  So, I will give thanks and be joyful, for because of this headache, I must rest quietly in bed, making this an excellent time to pray and meditate on God's Word.  If I had not had a headache, I would be busy with my daily activities, getting ready for work, doing the laundry, etc.  But instead, I have the privilege of spending time with the one who loves me more than I can imagine.  How blessed I am.  He will use something as simple as a headache to say I love you.  He desires to spend time with me and he will interrupt my day, causing me stop and consider and listen to him.  He knows what I need, and what I need is a fresh touch of his presence.
 

During his final hours on earth, Jesus prayed for his disciples and for those who would believe in him because of their message, "that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you,  May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me," John 17:21.  Jesus wanted us to be one with him and one with the Father.  How wonderfully, marvelous, that God, the Almighty, the source of all life, would want to be associated with me.  He wants to know me; to be joined or connected with me.  Look again at Jesus prayer.  Why did Jesus pray for us to be one with him and with the Father?  "That the world may believe that you have sent me."  God's plans and purposes are so far-reaching.  My headache is not only a  blessing for me in my personal relationship with Christ, but, it has eternal consequences.  God desires to reach others besides myself; he wants the world to know who Jesus is.  Jesus, the only begotten son of God, who lived a perfect life and died in my place to pay for my sins, and not only mine, but, the sins of the whole world.  That's not all though, he rose again and lives  forever with the Father in heaven and one day he's coming again to receive those who are his. 


Therefore, I will consider it pure joy that I awoke with a headache.  For, because of it, I have enjoyed sweet fellowship with my God, who everyday loads me with benefits.  My faith has been tried and it is producing patience in me,  and patience will have its perfect work of making me mature and complete, not lacking anything.