Overcoming Obstacles

Lent on the Run — Day 5: Finding God's presence in the tough times

Mar 10, 2025

My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. — James 1:2-4

First of all, don’t tell me to have joy when my life feels like it’s falling apart. Sometimes, I just want to sit in the frustration, the grief, or the mess. And honestly, that’s okay.

I imagine some of you have felt the same. When life feels overwhelming, being told to "count it all joy" can sound tone-deaf. Too often, harmful theology sneaks in — phrases like, "God won’t give you more than you can handle" or "God is teaching you something through this suffering." While these words may be meant to comfort, they often leave us feeling burdened, as if we’re supposed to smile through the pain to prove our faith.

But James isn’t telling us to fake joy or pretend the hard stuff isn’t real. Just a few verses later, James writes: "No one, when tempted, should say, 'I am being tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one."(James 1:13, NRSV). Trials aren’t divine tests or punishments — they’re part of life’s reality.

So what does it mean to "count it all joy"? It’s not about denying our pain but about discovering God’s presence within it. Joy isn’t a forced smile; it’s the quiet confidence that we are not alone — that God’s love carries us even when we feel like we can’t take another step.

Runners know this feeling well. When the miles get tough, we don’t waste energy blaming the wind or the hills (well sometimes we might, but that doesn’t make it right haha). Instead, we should focus on what grounds us — our breath, our stride, our purpose. Likewise, when life’s obstacles arise, the question isn’t "Why is this happening?" but "Who am I turning to for strength?"

Today, if you find yourself facing hardship, take a moment to pause. Don’t rush to assign blame or seek easy answers. Instead, reflect: Where do I see God’s presence in this? You may just find that joy — the deep, enduring kind — is quietly guiding you forward.