Joy: The Clearest Expression of a Changed Life

by Norma Jackson Goldman

As we get older, we encounter more and more illness, life-threatening physical conditions, and challenges that do not fit our idea of the “golden years.” The natural human response is to think about our own health, mortality, and what the future might hold. But when I look at my friend Laura* as she battles cancer, I see a very different response—one that makes little sense to an unbeliever. What I see in Laura is pure joy, even in the most difficult days of treatment and experimental chemotherapy.

Laura has stood on my left at church for many years, and our good friend Tess has stood on my right. No words adequately express how powerful their individual testimonies have been to me—their friends and family, our Bible study class—literally everyone who touches their lives. Tess, now cancer-free, consistently uses her experiences to encourage and strengthen others walking the long mile to recovery.

Laura was certain she had won, and we rejoiced with her, thankful God had honored our prayers with healing. Within a year, the cancer was back, not in one, but three places—inoperable. And yet, her joy is undiminished. She is in her place at worship whenever humanly possible, lifting her heart to praise the Lord. Her joy is a clear expression of a life changed by the Spirit of God.

Laura is neither a super-woman nor a martyr. She longs to be free of hospitals, tests, and powerful drug treatments. She yearns to work in the yard, to continue teaching children as she has for many years, and to live without concern about what the next test might reveal. But she has intentionally mapped out some good choices designed to bring her to a new place in her ongoing relationship with the Lord.

A Conscious Choice

Within days of her cancer diagnosis, Laura asked for prayer from friends, her church, and family members. She asked not only for healing, but for God to teach her more about Himself through her experiences. In making this conscious choice, she expressed the sure knowledge that God would be with her, no matter what.

Peace With God

After an initial bout with “why me?” she quickly moved on to gather a “war chest” of Scripture verses to help her cope in all situations. She wanted to be able to give a reason for the hope of healing within her. Her desire was that nothing about her illness would interfere in her peace with God. She knew that peace brings joy.

She wanted to claim every promise, to be able to “rejoice always” as Paul taught the believers in Philippi. Paul knew well the hard lessons of imprisonment, discouragement, and personal illness, yet he modeled joy for others and counseled them (and us) to rejoice always (Philippians 4:4).

The Ability to See Past Present Circumstances

We see the theme of joy in the midst of trials throughout the New Testament. James and Peter offered instruction and encouragement as they faced persecution without and dissension within the first century churches. The writer of Hebrews said it best when he said Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). One of the greatest challenges any believer faces is to look past what he or she is experiencing to see God at work in productive, redemptive ways.

Are we to ignore, deny, or pretend bad things do not exist? Do we just harden ourselves and march into the face of adversity? Not at all! We rejoice, knowing He knows our trouble, He hears our petitions and no matter what, He cares. Laura knows He is with her. Is this your testimony in adversity?

About the Writer: Former magazine editor Norma J. Goldman enjoys a successful freelance career in her retirement. The award-winning writer lives near Houston, Texas. Learn more about retirement options at www.boardofretirement.com.

* Name changed for privacy.