Persevering With Joy

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.  James 1: 2-4

     The Word of God continually challenges us to think a little deeper, to open our spiritual eyes and ears to see and hear the world around us with God’s perspective. Yesterday, perseverance in suffering brought about character and hope. Today we are to “consider it pure joy” when we face trials.

     I am struggling with these verses right along with you this morning. Maturing in our faith is no easy task. Walking through life does bring joy. It does bring heartache and it does bring days, many days of ordinary moments. Can we get to the point of counting each moment with joy, as we surrender everything to God? And not only surrender it all to Him, but then really trusting Him with it?

     When everything is sailing smoothly along, it is easier to keep our faith in Jesus strong and sure. When suffering and trials hit, we look for answers on our own. We need to remind ourselves of His presence. He is right there alongside and within us. That’s where these Words from James speak to us. Those are the times where our faith is tested.

     I do believe there is always purpose in suffering. Can we count it pure joy if we truly do believe God is using it for His eternal purposes? I know we can try. I also know we will fall apart, have sleepless nights, ask why and wonder how to go through another day. And we go to Him again and again and we sit with our friends and family through the tough times. Each time we turn back to Jesus, our faith is tested and with that testing comes perseverance and strength, knowing we can get through anything with Him. When we give Him everything, He changes everything, including our perspective.

     The verses above conclude with these words:

...not lacking anything.  James 1:4b

      When we have Jesus and we mature through our days and our nights, our faith is tested time and time again, until, finally, we get to the point of inner peace and joy, with our souls lacking nothing. I don’t know about you, but I am going to keep turning back to Him through it all. The next verse will help us with the next step.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.  James 1:5

I could use some Godly wisdom today. You, too?

Dear Father,

These verses challenge us to trust You in every circumstance, even in our times of trial and suffering. Give us Your wisdom. We sure can’t do it on our own. Give us others to walk with us through the valley times and always, always, remind us to look up and focus on You. We count You as pure joy.

In Jesus name

Amen