Joy Takes You To Unexpected Places…

No matter where you are or what you’re going through, and despite the various limitations you face, one thing is possible…

Overflowing joy.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. —James 1.2 NLT

Joy is not dependent on the weather or your wealth.

In fact, joy is seen most clearly in the storms and shortages of life.

The Apostle Paul wrote about this kind of joy that defies logic. He saw it in the churches of Macedonia:

And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. —2 Corinthians 8.1-3 NIV

The conditions for the Macedonian churches weren’t good. They were experiencing a very severe trial and extreme poverty. But God gave them grace which produced an overflowing joy…

And that joy took them to unexpected places.

Rich generosity??!!?! Giving beyond their ability? Who would have predicted that?

Despite their limitations, overflowing joy took them to new levels of service and significance.

I believe this is true for us as well—joy takes us to unexpected places.

Joy doesn’t know how to stay within boundaries.

It leaks. It spreads. It goes where it “doesn’t belong.” It overflows.

And it takes you to unexpected places.

I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds. —2 Corinthians 7.4 NIV