One of my favorite ways to read, study, and blog is using the Verse of the Day feature on many “Bible sharing” websites I frequent. On Bible Gateway, our daily verse is the same as our VOTD from earlier. So, I hopped over to YouVersion, and it is one we desperately need.
Are Trials Bringing You Authentic Joy?
Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:2-4, CSB).
On Netflix, I have been watching “In Lawfully Yours” lately. In the movie, there is a scene where a recently divorced young woman finds herself in church for the very first time and stands up to question the pastor’s message. She finds herself confronted with a biblical truth that we should consider trials pure joy. Many of us, like this main character, might want to question or argue through this scriptural truth.
Have you ever found yourself at odds with God’s truth considering trials pure joy?
Remembering This Eternal Reward?
Through trials God continues to produce His good work inside of us; our great God offers us His abundant, amazing, eternal life. Our faith in Him can stand strong, despite the winds of life’s trials. We don’t have to sacrifice our faith, in order to survive our trials. Instead, our great God wants to reveal Himself to us during these dark moments in life.
Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him (James 1:12, CSB).
This truth is exactly why we can consider trials to be something worthy of joy.
Pain in trials will not thrill our soul, but the joy is in experiencing God continuing His good work.
As we continue to willfully choose and prize our Lord Jesus Christ over everything else, the Lord is the reason why we can endure through all of the hard things.
It is entirely possible that the Lord has asked you to walk through fiery circumstances that no one around you – can fathom living through, and you can fully endure
. . . because of the One who goes before you and gives you every ounce of strength you will need.
Now this is what the Lord says— the one who created you, Jacob, and the one who formed you, Israel—’Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine. I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you.’ (Isaiah 43:1-2, emphasis mine)
This same God who raised our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, is the very God who is going to help you with whatever you are facing.
Friends you can walk through this hard thing, because of this God you serve who has shown Himself to be all powerful! He has charted our life’s course, and gives us the victory to run this race.
Featured image by Cezanne Ali from Unsplash.
Seeking Him,
Gracefully Overcoming 