Consider it Pure Joy

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


We often think because we are saved and walking with the Lord that we will live prosperous, carefree lives because we diligently pray and seek the Lord and ask him to protect us. Because of this protection we won't have illness, accidents, and hard times. That is not the case. While God does hear every prayer, the full armor of God, does not guarantee prevention of calamity, it assures us that he will be this us while we are in difficult circumstances.


Why does God do this to us? When we gave our lives to Christ, we did it for his service. Our lives are no longer our own. Just as a runner needs to run thousands of miles to prepare for a marathon, so followers of Christ must experience difficulties in order to build their trust in the Lord. God does not want to get us out of difficult situations he wants to get us through them. He is using trials in our lives so that we are better prepared to serve him and be a testimony to the non-believer whose life will cross our path in the future. Perseverance makes us "mature and complete, not lacking anything."

"Consider it pure joy" the next time you find yourself in a difficult situation. Through your prayer in hard times you will be drawing closer to God; relying on Him for your answers and your strength. You will be waiting patiently on him as you move through a dry season knowing that he is preparing you for another good work that will be more awesome than the one before.

Our prayer. Lord, in the name of Jesus, give us the patience to wait on you through our trials. Draw us near to you in humility as we pass through the valley. Just as an athlete endures the pain of training as he prepares himself for competition, strengthen our faith and trust in you as you bring us through the inevitable trials of our daily lives. Thank you Lord for your unfailing love as you allow perseverance to finish its work so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. I pray this in Jesus name, Amen!