Joy in Suffering

Yesterday Mom shared the example of my Aunt Sharon's serving joyfully in the midst of suffering. There's someone else we'd like you to meet today. Her name is Joanna Linn and she is thirteen years old. I want to encourage you to read her story.  Joanna too is experiencing suffering, although of a very different nature than that of Aunt Sharon's. Yet, she remarkably displays the same joyful confidence in God.

Joanna and Aunt Sharon are like those James referred to as "an example of suffering and patience" and living proof that "the Lord is compassionate and merciful" (James 5:10-11). Their lives provoke me to constantly strive for joy in the midst of my own comparatively small temptations and challenges. I pray this testimony--shared at a Titus 2 Women's Meeting at our church in April--will encourage you in whatever trials you may face today.