What If? - Mark Cerfonteyn

The Rock - Paarl

We can’t always choose what happens to us but we can control how we will respond. We always have a choice. We have the power to choose joy in difficult situations.

(John 4:4) Although the things we face may be extremely challenging, we still have a God who is able to see us through any situation (Psalm 23:5). There are many things we can choose that lead us to joy. Gratitude, praise, thankfulness, prayer, they all lead to joy.

Here are 3 decisions we can make to choose joy:

1️⃣ I’m going to see beyond what has happened

(Philippians 1:12-18) In our lives there is what is happening and then there is what is ACTUALLY happening. What’s actually happening is not just an event in the natural but in the supernatural too. You don’t always see the “actually” over night, but God is able to work all things together for good.

Every obstacle we face is actually an opportunity for the glory of God to be revealed in your life. Focus on what is ‘actually’ happening.

Q: Can you remember a challenging time when God was actually doing something good in your life that wasn’t obvious to you at first?

2️⃣ I’m going to choose to look for the re-direct

(Philippians 1:13-14) Sometimes it’s not a setback, it’s just God redirecting us to something greater. And that is what living surrendered is all about. To have joy is also to be flexible when God moves us or changes things up.

Q: Do you think that you are flexible and ready for God to re-direct you in different areas of your life?

3️⃣ I’m going to choose to focus on what really matters

(Philippians 1:15-18) Are we going to let the situations we face rob us of what God has before us? Nothing but bitterness and a lack of joy comes from focusing on the bad. Don’t let your challenges rob you of your peace and joy. Make the choice to rejoice.

Another way to think of rejoicing is to “RE - JOY”. Have joy again. Rehearse Gods goodness in your life. Focus on it and remember what he has done in your life.