James 1:2-3
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.
I wish I could say that I live out these words. This is really a difficult lesson for me. When I am worried about something and struggling, I have a hard time putting things into perspective. It is hard for me to see past the immediate hardship. Seeing the joy which will eventually come, accompanied by a stronger faith, is not automatic for me. But I can work on this, for sure! Maybe I could imagine a light at the end of this immediate problem, and imagine Jesus holding the light. While I work through my issue, I see Jesus, with his light, and he is not too far away- he is close enough to ask for help.
Holy Lord, you are here to help me with whatever I need. I will be stronger after we work together, no matter what the issue. The more I come to you for help, the closer I will be to you, and the more joy I will experience. I am so thankful! Amen
Becky, transforming
James 1:2-3
I have always found this passage difficult both to believe and follow—and yet I understand it. We all know life will give us challenges but we have faith that there are better things to come. However, I’m not sure I have been tested with a “trouble” so great I would not feel any joy no matter how great my faith!
Prayer: Gracious God, I know what you are saying, I just am not sure I will pass the test. Amen
Tuesday, April 23rd, 2023
James 1:2-3
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
I had written a comment in my study Bible noting that James doesn’t
Say if you face trials but whenever you face them. I know I face trials in many different situations but how I handle them is the result of the lessonsI learned as I go through these trials. It is all well and good, when everything is going well for me, and my best behavior is to be kind to others. but what happens when I become stressed and vulnerable under pressure. I am still trying to recognize…
James 1:2-3
I was wondering when this verse would appear in our readings on joy. It came to mind last night during a quarterly small group meeting I have. An exercise that our leader always takes us through is, “Where do you see God in this?” It is typically a more powerful process when we are discussing aspects of our ministry experience that did not or are not going as well as we had hoped. More often than not, it takes the perspective of another to see God and point the way to the joy in the journey to the other side of the difficulties. This is yet another reason to seek out Christian fellowship. It helps us consider i…