The Example of Joy - Contemporary Example

At a community outreach event last summer, I met a woman named Maria, a vibrant soul radiating joy despite the challenges she faced. Maria had recently lost her job, and with it, the stability she had fought hard to maintain for her two children. Many would have crumbled under such pressure, but not Maria. Instead of succumbing to despair, she leaned into her faith, trusting God in a way that was palpable.

One afternoon, as we prepared meals for families in need, I watched her interact with others. She was not just serving food; she was sharing hope. With each dish she handed out, she told stories of God’s goodness in her life, even in the valley of uncertainty. “God is with us,” she would say, her eyes sparkling with the kind of joy that only comes from deep trust in the Lord. It reminded me of Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus promises that He will be with us always. Maria embodied that promise.

Her laughter filled the air, and in that moment, I realized that her joy was not dependent on her circumstances but on her unwavering faith. She was growing spiritually, transformed by her trials into a beacon of resilience for others. Maria taught me that joy is a choice, a fruit of the Spirit cultivated in the soil of trust and faith. Her example brings to life the truth that when we lean into the Great Commission, our lives can overflow with joy, even in difficult seasons, guiding others toward hope.