For Better or Worse

When a man and a woman decide to come together in holy matrimony, they confess what is called their vows. It is a list of commitments that the husband and wife agree upon in front of witnesses. This is the expectation that is spoken when the two become one. They are committed to living their lives through each vow that was made on that special day. The vow we will focus on is for better or for worse.
 
If we are honest, we look forward to the better part. We know how to handle the better. The better makes us feel good. The better makes us have hope and remain faithful. It gives us the peace that we need to continue to show up daily in faith. But what happens when the worse comes? How often do we see the good in worse? As believers and followers of Christ, we take that same vow to remain faithful for better or for worse.
 
When it gets worse, it gets uncomfortable. It pulls you out of the comfort you established based on things being good or better. Worse feels hopeless and we find ourselves downtrodden and disappointed that worse would show up in our lives. Sometimes worse shows its head during what you believe to be a place of recovery. The enemy wants you to believe that worse is eternal and nothing good would ever come from it.
We must remember to continue to count it all joy.  James 1:2-4 says,
 
“Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith (through experience) produces endurance (leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace. And let endurance have its perfect work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed (in your faith) lacking in nothing.” - James 1:2-4
 
 In the moments that worse shows up, remember that joy is still present and available. We must choose to acknowledge the worst but receive God’s grace for his plan. Don’t look at this place as a sign of your weakness but it allows the power of Jesus in you to be made strong. Better is still on the table and on the horizon. Worse may have pulled up a chair, but the Father will turn the worst into the best outcome.
 
Do not be weary of doing well. Continue to do good and don’t faint. Your reaping will be evident, and your joy will continue to remain.