Verse of the Day: 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.” – James 1:2-3 

Paul says something here that seems to run contrary to the way most people think.  Count it all ‘joy’ when we experience trials?  This does not come naturally.  It is much easier to be sad and downcast.  However, it is important to see that the joy is not because we are suffering, but because of the strength that comes from patience.  And as Paul said, “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance”.

God allows us to go through trials to build up our endurance so that we can remain steadfast in our walk; to stand against those things contrary to God and His ways.   The more we see God bringing us through these tough times, the more endurance we will have to stay true to Him no matter what we face.  And we will need this endurance as anti-Christian attitudes continue to grow as we get closer to His return.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.