The Gift Of Joy 

By Jinky Kieft

Northwest Indiana - USA

Scriptures:

• Romans 14:17-18
• James 1:2
• Psalm 81:1
• Psalm 126:5

On December 19, 2004, my heart stopped beating. As I lay on the operating table, the joy of the Christmas season was far from any of my loved ones’ minds. 

The Greek word for “joy” is chara, which comes from the words charis meaning “grace” or “gift,” and charos meaning “rejoice” or “to express joy.”

In the scriptures, chara is more than just a feeling of happiness. It’s a lasting emotion that comes from trusting our Heavenly Father. It’s a response to the grace of God and His fruit of the Spirit that’s evident in difficult times.

James 1:2 says, “Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

We never know when tests or trials will hit us; but when they do, how do we respond?

I went through my own difficult challenge and want to share how hard it was for my family, but how God's grace was evident during that painful time.

My husband and I desired to have our own children and, like many couples, we tried for many years to conceive. Of course my emotions were up and down along the way. So when the time came, and after five years of trying, we were finally having a baby! Our hearts were overjoyed with gratitude and excitement, but that joy would soon turn into many unexpected trials.

It was December 18, 2004. We were at a friend's house celebrating as a church family at an early Christmas gathering. We had great food, enjoyed fellowship, sang songs, and played fun games together. During the party, a brother turned to me and said, “Your water is going to break and you'll probably have your baby tomorrow.”

“Yeah sure,” I responded. If that happened, it would be a week early.

We headed home and I went straight to bed. Around 2 a.m., I was jolted with a chill and woke up. Yup, my water broke! We promptly called the doctor and headed to the hospital.

The adrenaline and excitement were like none I’ve ever felt before. The time was finally here! We had longed for a child for so long. I couldn’t wait to meet our son.

Pushing, from start to finish, was about a 12-hour ordeal. I was exhausted. As my son’s head began peaking through, his heart rate slowed down. His head was stuck in a dangerous position and they needed to do an emergency c-section.

They rushed me to the operating room. It all happened so fast, that I saw my son for only about 10 seconds before they rushed him to the neonatal intensive care unit because of his weak breathing and heart.

Meanwhile, they wheeled me into the recovery room. About 15 minutes later, I started to hemorrhage, and my husband was very concerned with the amount of blood I was losing.

As I was rushed back to the OR, I grabbed my husband's hand and said, “Please start a prayer chain, I don’t know what’s going to happen.” That was the last thing I said to him.

I believe that was the Holy Spirit and God's grace, because I had no idea I would be fighting for my life that afternoon. About 20 minutes later, the words “Code Blue” blared through the hospital’s PA system. That meant someone's heart had stopped. My husband knew it was me!

Under his breath he recited Job 1:21: “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, but may the name of the Lord be praised.” 

My heart stopped for several minutes. The nurses and staff did all they could to stabilize me. There were things beyond me that God was doing. The best anesthesiologist from Chicago happened to be there that afternoon and jumped in to help.

Many challenges happened that day. What was supposed to be a joyous day for our whole family and turned into life lessons of God's amazing grace.

While my son was taken care of in the NICU, I was stabilized in the ICU. I believe the power of prayer was brought before God, and He answered. We all found peace and joy knowing that God would provide in His way.

We were in the hospital for six days, but we all got to go home on Christmas Eve and celebrate as a family. God truly gave us amazing gifts that day – the gift of joy, my life, and our son. It was a miracle and a mystery, all wrapped up as a Christmas gift from our Heavenly Father!

Questions for Reflection: 

1. As you think about your own trials, past and present, do you consider them joy as in James 1? Why or why not?

2. God’s word says that the testing of our faith produces something in us. What are the tests of life producing in you? 

3. Are you allowing perseverance to mature you? How is it maturing you?

Today I Will:

Sing for joy to God our strength.
Psalm 81:1

When I sing or shout praises of joy, it strengthens my heart. Today, listen to the song “Joy” by For King and Country, and let joy move you! 

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Psalm 126:5

About the Author:

Jinky Kieft has been a disciple for almost 29 years. She’s been happily married to Braxton for 26 years. They have a son and a daughter who are both disciples. The Kiefts have served in the ministry around the world, and currently lead Northwest Indiana Church of Christ, located just east of the Chicago area. What are some of her hobbies? “I love dancing and am a Hallmark Christmas movie junkie!”