Joy

 James 1:2-3 

Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  
 

  What brings us joy? Our families, friends, fun etc.? Chocolate, coffee, or cheerful chatter? James commands us to rejoice when we have trials!

 Our gut reaction with trials and tests is to feel nervous about them. Yet if we're well prepared, we can actually look forward to proving ourselves. God never gives us a trial we can't pass with his help.

The devil tempts us to throw in the trial. God tests us like precious metals. In his trials he skims away the dress in our lives and purifies us.

Of course, joy is counterintuitive when we go through hard times. Yet if we can see what the hard times are producing, we can be encouraged. God is proving our faith and making us steadfast and enduring: by his power we will assuredly prevail over all that assails us. 

'Dear Lord our God, please help us rejoice even in the midst of difficulties as you show our faith to be genuine and help us to persevere. In Christ's name we ask, amen'.

 

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