Irreversible is defined as not able to be undone, not reversible. If you are anything like me, I’m certain there are many things in life, especially some of those experiences that are completely out of your control, that you would like to reverse. Maybe your words, actions, accidents, or troubles don’t always result in what’d you’d see as joy. However, many biblical truths point to just that, an irreversible joy, a joy set before us despite the heartache and pain that is often our current reality.
My name is Jana Yra (pronounced ēē-ruh) and after a series of uncontrollable circumstances, disappointment, pain, and suffering, I’ve felt the overwhelming need to share my testimony, my circumstances, and especially the YRAversible (see what I did there?) blessings among the trials. I have experienced true peace that passes all understanding, comfort, strength, and revelation right in the midst of chaos; in the midst of situations that were meant to kill, steal, and destroy my joy.
After taking a spiritual gifts tests recently through my small group I found out that one of my spiritual gifts is the “gift of suffering”. Yes, you heard that right. And so did I after a few tears and quite a bit of rejection of such a gift. In reading the description and digging deeper into the meaning, I fortunately understood that this isn’t an actual gift to suffer. However, it is the gift to come out victorious through suffering. The gift to still glorify God amongst the suffering, the trials, and the pain.
In the Bible, James tells us that we should
“count it all joy when you fall into various trials,” (1:2).
Really James? Joy when you fall into trouble? Yes, joy. He goes on to explain that the testing of our faith produces patience and that we must
“let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:4).
That was a big jump (huh?) from falling into trials to becoming perfect? But really, isn’t that what we are all striving for in this life, to grow, to be whole, complete, to be lacking nothing? This is what we call the process of sanctification in the life of a believer, the process where the Holy Spirit through accepting Christ comes in and works to finish the work that He has started in us. Whether it be through the good times or through the bad, He promises to use all of our circumstances for the good, to make us complete. It is a process that is all possible through the irreversible sacrifice that Jesus made so that we could all become whole! He Himself considered the joy that was set before Him in order to endure the cross. We were that joy! What better example to follow than that of Jesus Himself! While no one really wants to endure trials, considering things in such a way should motivate us all to use the gift of suffering to prevail, to remain patient, and consider it joy that Jesus is there working in and through us to bring us out better…victorious!
All of this sounds so much easier said than done I know, trust me. There really is no explaining any of this except with one word, GRACE. Grace is getting what we don’t deserve. In the moments of my disappointment, in the seasons of my trouble, there is grace. One of the most asked questions, especially one I’ve heard often through my own experiences is “why do bad things happen to good people?”. Really though, the question we should be asking is, why do good things happen to bad people, to people who are born sinners, to me, a sinner, an imperfect person striving to serve a perfect God? And the answer to the question is grace. Irreversible grace, so much more than I could ever deserve.
Love this! ❤️
So proud of you Jana. Love your blog.
I’m so proud of you for sharing your story, Jana! It’s definitely touched my life and I know it’ll touch others, as well.
Love it, Jana and love you so much! I can’t wait to go through this journey with you!
Thank you for your transparancy and willingness to listen to God to begin this blog. I am looking forward to reading more.
Thanks for opening up your heart to us Jana! Love you!
Can’t wait to read more!
Thank you for reading and following our journey, Jenna!
Beautiful, true and pure. Thank you for sharing your walk to bless others. Fuel for my soul!
Thanks, sweet Michelle! I appreciate you reading and so glad you feel encouraged!
Love this! Thank you for sharing. Beautiful words. Can’t wait to read more. His work is something that’s inexplainable and amazing!
Yes! God is so good and I am just being obedient to share all the things He’s blessed us with! Thank you so much for reading to follow our journey and sharing!
Mother bear I’m so proud of you thanks for being my mother
I am so proud of you! I know God has big things in store for you, babe! We love you!
So proud of you everyday but definitely in this step of obedience!
Thank you for all you’ve sewn in to make me who I am today!
Wow…Jana all I can say is wow. I am so proud of you. You are even more beautiful now than you were before, inside and out. This blog is POWERFUL. Keep going sister! It’s a blessing and a gift!
Thank you! To God be the glory for the great things He has done! I appreciate you reading and sharing, but most importantly I am grateful for your consistent encouragement and friendship!