Consider it Pure Joy

James 1: 2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

I was listening to a sermon based on this text on my way to school after standing in line to pay 3 years of retroactive health insurance and working on other miscellaneous pieces of getting my visa. The pastor made the point that if you don't make the choice to choose joy before the trial comes, you won't be able to choose joy in the midst of the trial.

So, I was thinking about the whole 'trial' of getting a visa here. What might be some ways that God might be working good in the midst of it.
-working to get my visa has provided many opportunities for me to ask others for help--in going to the notary, subbing while I take care of 'business', etc
-I've been stretched in using my language: with the lawyer helping me, the second trip to the notary, at the medical insurance office, and more to come...
-I've learned a new part of the city and now could actually pay my medical insurance monthly or in advance instead of having to pay retroactively
-as with many things in this country, it's been an opportunity to practice patience--waiting!

So, although the process of obtaining a visa seems tedious and frustrating, I am thankful for the ways that God is at work in the midst of it all.