Is this for real? “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials” (James 1:2a). As we were both hit by physical trials this past week, I said to my wife, “It’s party time! Let’s celebrate! If we are supposed to count this all joy, we may as well enjoy it.” Instead of fasting, we went to our favorite place to eat. Why wait for joy after the battle when we can have it at the beginning? I have had joy ever since. His joy is what takes us through our fiery trials, for the joy of the Lord is strength to our spirit, soul, mind and body.
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy” (Ps. 94:19, NIV).
Before my yearly heart checkup last week, I heard the words “false report.” After listening to my heart, the doctor said, “I hear a little heart murmur. We will check it out to make sure your heart is OK.”
I held onto those words, “false report” above what the doctor said. As I arrived home, the Lord convicted me of murmuring. I immediately repented. I am convinced our bodies often let us know what’s going on in our spiritual life. My test was this past Thursday morning, and the doctor called me on Friday to tell me, “Everything is fine.” I believe when I repented, the bullet missed me, and I am not the same person.
At times what I go through physically is prophetic for the body of Christ also. So if this speaks to you, take heed and repent, for murmuring can be dangerous for us and others.
My wife is doing much better after seeing an orthopedic doctor last week concerning the pain in her leg. We are both taking wings! {eoa}
Bill Yount has been a member of Bridge of Life Church in Hagerstown, Maryland, for the past 40 years and is in leadership. He faithfully served in prison ministry at Mount Hope Inc. for 23 years and now travels full time, ministering in churches and Aglow circles. He is currently an adviser at large for Aglow International. Bill has authored several prophetic books. His latest book is Handfuls of Purpose. His prophetic email list is: @billyountweekly.com. Visit Bill’s website at billyount.com.
