Count it all joy

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything~James 1:2-4

I’ll admit I don’t face trials with joy.  I consider them a pain in the neck.  However, trials are necessary and every time I go through them I come out better and stronger.  My spiritual stamina increases.  I begin to see the gifts that God is giving me in the midst of the storm and yes my sorrows turn to joy.  

What I once viewed as only burdens become my blessings as I draw nearer to God.  Trials have a way of humbling you and letting you know where you stand in your faith.   They also show you just how faithful God is.  Your relationship strengthens as you tether yourself to Him because you realize He is the only way you will overcome the trial.  He is the One who makes the Goliaths fall.

I still wrestle with trials, but I thank God that I am finding my joy.  That I realize that His purpose is not to harm me, but to make me complete in Him.  He doesn’t want me to lack for He is my Shepherd. My God and my King,

Lord, help us to see the blessings in the trials.  Help us to remember that You are sovereign and in  control.  Whatever you do is for  our good and You work all things out for our good.  So help us to count them as joy knowing that victory is assured to those who trust in You.  In Jesus name. Amen