I was watering my newly planted garden, hoping to keep the little flower starts alive in the midst of dry, sunny days, when the water sputtered and stopped.  I let my husband know that we were out of water, and headed into the house.  Little difficulties; running out of water, waiting for the generator to run before I do laundry, cleaning up mud the children have tracked in as well as the larger difficulties of educating a child with special needs, waiting to hear if my daughter and husband made it across the border to the emergency room after post surgery bleeding or just living in a foreign country often steal my joy.  In Colossians 1:11 Paul prays for the church that they would be.."Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; ".(KJV) 

It is easy to see from this passage that the Christian life is not one of continual ease and blessing.  The point of this scripture is that even though we are going through something difficult that we would be strengthened to be patient and joyful through it.  I often want to crawl off the potter's wheel, especially in the midst of trials, but I am amazed at how the Lord has brought us through each difficulty with more faith in him and an ability to smile at and be patient with our little ones, even in the midst of struggles. 

A few things that I have done to fight for joy are reading scripture, singing with my children and reading devotional books or biographies.  A favorite devotional writer would be John Piper  . A common theme of his books and sermons are fighting for joy in Christ.  Another writer who has influenced me to fight for joy is Amy Carmichael.  She chose difficulty over ease and continually inspires me to keep my eyes on Jesus, for the joy set before us.  I pray you would be strengthened to do the same.

Jennifer Pepito