“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 NIV
What command DOES THIS Scripture GIVE US?
- To choose joy
When are we instructed to choose joy?
- When we face all kinds of trials
What happens to us in the midst of trials? 
- Our faith will be tested
Why are we commanded to choose joy?
- Because there’s something to gain.
What do we gain by choosing joy?
- We become stronger, more mature and equipped to overcome obstacles so that we can accomplish the work assigned to us by God.
So, what do we learn from this verse?
Trials will definitely come, but we can choose joy by changing our perspective and walking by faith.
Since we know that our faith will be tested in the midst of trials, we must determine to build our faith by abiding in the Word of God. God has given each of us His faith. Therefore, we can grow and develop the faith we have by meditating on the Word, believing it, and obeying it.
When we fill ourselves with the truth of the Word, our spirits become energized and strengthened. We are then able to withstand the winds and waves of trials. By placing our faith in God, we can then shift our perspective during trials because we know that God will be with us through it all.
Instead of getting beat up and frustrated, we look forward to how God will use the situation to build and equip us for His service. We look forward to being used by God and comforting others with the same comfort we received from Him. Then, the joy of the Lord becomes our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
ACTION POINT
When trials come our way (and they will), we will choose joy through the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us!
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© 2020. Beautiful in Jesus.
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