I Choose Joy - Danielle Stoltz
I Choose Joy
- Danielle Stoltz
Pursue Joy, Find Strength
How does one find joy in the midst of a global pandemic? How can anyone choose joy when the world around us screams of chaos, confusion, division and hopelessness?
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
In January, my husband received word that the store he managed was closing. Just weeks into the New Year, after we had chosen a verse for the year, planned family vacations, and set financial goals, we were hit with a test of our faith.
We had about two weeks of uncertainty before the new opportunity presented itself. I was not happy about it. The new job was within the same company, same industry and meant relocation. I was adamant that this was not the right move for my husband’s career or for our family. I called my mom in tears.
“I do not want to move,” I said. “I’m comfortable. We have established a good life here!”
“I’m praying for God’s best for you all,” she responded.
After several days of pouting and pleading my case, I prayed. I sincerely asked God for His direction.
“Don’t let us go where you aren’t leading.”
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
This was a prayer I prayed almost daily. One afternoon, I sat talking with my husband about the opportunity. I can’t explain it, but I can tell you it was miraculous. I felt peace. I felt excited. I was ready! My husband accepted the new position and began commuting about 3.5 hours daily, while I mentally prepared for the process of selling our home and finding a new one in a new city.
Then COVID-19 hit. Just days after we had met with a realtor and began our punch list to put our home on the market, we got word that the company my husband was working for was temporarily closing nationwide. Two weeks later, my husband was furloughed. We applied for unemployment, but it would be weeks before we received anything due to a clerical error.
“..the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
There were two major decisions that we made during this time. The first was we decided not to freak out. God had never failed us, and He wasn’t about to start now. When doubt arose, we talked about times that God had come through miraculously for us in the past. We found joy in remembering the goodness of our God! The second was we began to give. We gave to our church. We gave to ministries. We left gifts on the doorsteps of our friends and neighbors. We paid for minor repairs for a few people, most of them anonymously.
During this time, we saw unexplainable abundance. I was approached by several unexpected clients and business opportunities. My husband received an annual bonus greater than what he originally anticipated. We were able to eliminate some lingering hospital bills and credit card debt. We gave more in the months of April and May with a limited income than we had in January and February.
Then we decided to do something crazy. We decided to go house hunting. In the midst of a pandemic, we started searching for our new home and prepared to relocate our family. Still unsure of when my husband would return to work or when we would receive any type of unemployment benefits, we took a bold step of faith and began moving forward with the plan God had placed in our hearts.
We put money down for a new home and listed our house the following week. Our home sold in less than 48 hours with eight offers above asking. God gave us tremendous favor with our closing process, and shortly after, my husband returned to work. We are stepping into this new season confident that God’s hand is leading us.
“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.” Ecclesiastes 9:7
Looking back at the first part of this year, I can see a number of times when I wanted to give in to doubt, discouragement and distress. But I can also clearly see God’s hand in every moment. I see Him orchestrating and guiding and providing, even though we had no idea what was happening in the moment.
May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans! May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!
— Psalm 20:4-5
Someone recently told me, “I like the ‘mony’ part. It’s the ‘test’ part of the testimony that I don’t like.” But what if the test is a signal, a notification or an alert? What if the challenge is just an indication that God is preparing to show Himself strong on our behalf? What if the very thing that seems to be burdensome and overwhelming is how He shows His miraculous power, provision and healing?
I’ve been reminded through this all that even in the midst of a global pandemic, God’s Word is true and He takes care of His children. He is a good Father that uses words like “abundant,” “overflow” and “prosperity.”
May I remind you that the plans and dreams God placed in your heart for 2020 are not canceled! God still fully intends to give us a hope and a future! Take Him at His Word today and pursue His best! As you pursue joy in the midst of your storm, you will see God lead you to the victory!