Joy In Trials
“Joy is not necessarily the absence of suffering, it is the presence of God.” -Sam Storms
Scripture Reading: James 1:2-18, Romans 5:3-5, and Romans 8:28
One of my favorite books of the Bible is James. It only has 5 chapters, so it doesn’t take long to read and it is packed with practical wisdom for daily life. Both you and I, my friend, have been through times of suffering and we unfortunately will probably face troubled times in days ahead (if it’s not today). But how in the world can we live without fear of what’s to come? Or how can we heal over the suffering that we have been through?
It is almost confusing as we start reading in James 1:2, the first words tell us to face trials with pure joy?!? I remember one of the first times that I read this verse, my heart being drawn to it! I WANT to be joyful in trials! I WANT to experience what James is talking about! But then my mind kicked into overdrive, “NO! No, trials! I don’t want trials. They hurt. Keep them far away from…me….please!” Unfortunately, that is not realistic in this sinful and broken world that we live in. Although, as I get older, and as I learn more about God and His Word, I do realize that when I face trials, I am not alone. Never alone. He is always with me! And, I can face them with joy, even with the pain in my heart and tears on face. It doesn’t make sense, does it? Well, I have experienced it time and time again. And it can happen for both of us, when we face trials on our knees before Jesus, saying “I trust You. I believe there is a purpose for this trial. Please teach me what You want me to learn. Open my eyes to see, my heart to feel and love, and my ears to hear what You want me to know.” James tells us that through trials, if we place our faith and trust in God and persevere through the trial, we will become mature, gain wisdom, and ultimately receive the crown of life. That is ALOT to be joyful about!
Overwhelming debt, a broken marriage, loss of a loved one… God is able. He is able to give us wisdom, He is able to restore relationships, He is able to mend broken hearts so we can breathe again. Not only breathe again, but to run again, dance again, sing again!!!! He is actually even able to help us sing THROUGH the tears! Ephesians 3:20 tells us that He is able to do exceedingly more than we ask or imagine! My friend, I have experienced this! Not just once or twice, but SO many times! I am living proof that His Word is Truth! And when we walk in faith and experience His miraculous healing power, sustaining grace, and His peace that goes beyond any human comprehension, we grow that much closer to knowing our Savior! There is no amount of pain in this world that is not worth going through, to truly KNOW Him!
I hope you will stay with me for the next 10 days, as I and some of my family members, share personal testimonies of how God is able and how His Word is TRUTH!
By His Grace,
+Linda
I have been tried…still being tried…my life has been a series of trials..and I have finally learned that I cannot do it alone. I MUST seek God to help..to comfort..to heal.. to lead me out. My joy abides in his unfailing love for me. Revive this weekend has given me a breath of fresh air. The time of worship and fellowship was priceless! I was so blessed to be there !@
I am so glad that you enjoyed Revive, Mary Beth! God gave us such a sweet time together and I am so thankful for the refreshment! Your are so correct – It’s such a comfort and the place we find joy to know that His love never fails, no matter what we face! He is always with us! ❤️ Linda
im here i did day 1 last night and day 2 tonight
Glad you are with us Sandy! 🙂
Hi Sandy! Glad you can join us!