Read James 1:2-4 NIV
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.
Joy is rarely the first thing that comes to mind when I think about trials in my life. It is more something like frustration, sadness, or anger. James’ words make me shake my head a little as I consider how difficult a task it is to count something that causes me pain as a source of joy. …At least when I am in the middle of a struggle.
The challenge is not to get stuck in the middle of whatever difficulty we might be facing, but to try to see beyond it. God has this wonderful ability to take whatever we are facing and use it to teach us and to draw us closer to Him if we allow Him to. Our most difficult circumstances can turn out to be the things that have the most power to transform us into the people God is calling us to be.
Whatever you are facing today, would you consider letting God have it in order to shape and direct your life? Would you allow Him to move in a way so that you are growing through adversity?
