Today’s Encouragement is, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” James 1:2 NLT
Great Joy
Why do so many good people — believers, even praying people — suffer in so many different ways? We all experience the pain of these troubles at times, and these trials threaten and test our faith!
“For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” James 1:3 NLT
We’d like to pass on all of this, please!
Still, we suffer, pray, and worry, “When will this ever end?” We may even despair deeply, feeling ready to give up. Yet He has already overcome this world (John 16:33). Because Jesus has overcome, we can have joy here, now — even in our troubles and trials!
We certainly don’t wish pain or suffering on anyone. But as believers, we need not fear it, nor be consumed by the stress and sorrow it brings. For this time of trouble produces endurance (v3), and as we grow through these troubles, we become perfect and complete, needing nothing.
“So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:4 NLT
Not my idea, not a theory, not a platitude to ease the pain of life. Our pain and sorrows are real! But God reveals His Truth to us here that as believers, our troubles, suffering, and sorrow can be opportunities for Great Joy!
Father, we are weak. We ask for Your miracle-working power to enable us to consider our trials as opportunities for Great Joy.
When Trials Come
Keith and Kristyn Getty
https://youtu.be/RmiScN_p3SE?si=q1r9UouAmmaDN14S