“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

When trials come our way, we are to consider it joy. Wait?! Seriously. Yes, joy. Why? Because when we choose joy, regardless of the situation, we are placing our faith and hope in a God who is bigger than our circumstances.

Consider it joy

Do you trust that Jesus has already defeated death? Here’s the thing. Fear destroys the glory of God. It says to God, “I don’t know if you can handle this.” Perhaps you’ve been in the midst of a trial and tempted to snatch back the reigns. It’s hard to see the joy in the middle of the battle, but it is there.

Life is full of painful moments, of trials, of injustice and ugliness. But those moments can be transformed by a loving God who does not abandon you in your darkest moments. God’s love speaks to and over our lives in such a way that it represents the presence and power of God in every circumstance.

You can replace fear with joy. The kind of love we are talking about has the ability to repel fear in your life. But first you have to come face to face with Christ. You have to understand what it is he came to this earth to do and how that can transform your entire life.

Perseverance

Let perseverance finish its work in you. Looking back on your life when have you learned your greatest lessons? Which ones have shaped you into who you are today?

We all have our share of struggles with health, mental health, relationships, trauma and more. God shows up in various ways to remind us of his unfailing, unconditional love.

The longer we walk this path the more it becomes evident that fear does not have control. With each trial, we grow stronger and closer to a God who does not abandon us but shows us his glory even in the darkest hours.

There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God. Trials amplify just how there he is for us.

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