Today’s Promise
October 21, 2021
I Can Rejoice in Every Trial
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
James 1:2-3
We All Face Trials
No one likes facing trials or troubles. You don’t wake up in the morning hoping for a bad day. However, we all face troubles and trials. Right now, many of us are facing difficult times. When you face a difficult time, trial, or problem, God shows you how to respond. We are to rejoice!
James Says, Rejoice!
For most of us, that just doesn’t make much sense. We spend our lives trying to avoid problems and difficulties. The phrase “Consider it all joy” really means consider it a pure or complete joy. Don’t look at your difficulties as a punishment or a curse. James invites you to see them as opportunities for God to work.
How can you have complete joy when facing a major problem or trial?
Rejoice in the Trial, Not for the Trial
First, to clear things up a bit, James doesn’t say you are to rejoice for trials but to rejoice in trials. We live in a fallen world, and we will all face problems and difficulties from time to time. In the midst of our trials, we can rejoice. I am not talking about some “positive thinking, fake it until you make it” mindset. I’m talking about an honest response to difficult times.
Remember, any time God commands you to do something, He has already empowered you to accomplish what He asks. With every command, there is a promise.
You can overflow with joy as you face trials because you know the bigger picture. God never wastes a struggle or problem you face. God doesn’t bring problems into your life, but He uses them for your good. God uses every trial to develop your faith and character.
God Uses Problems
God uses problems and difficulties to test your faith. Every time your faith is tested, it becomes stronger. Faith that is not tested is useless. You don’t climb up a ladder until you have tested it to make sure it is steady and will hold you. Testing grows your faith.
Faith is like gold; it can stand the test of fire. True faith, like gold, can endure the fire no matter how hot it gets.
Tested Faith
As your faith is tested, again and again, it grows stronger and develops endurance. Endurance is the ability to stand amid difficult situations and not give up. Endurance is an expression of hope and faith.
James says you will face all kinds of trials. Each of those trials will test and strengthen your faith in different ways. As your faith is tested, you will find new strength and endurance to face the next test or trial that comes along.
In every trial, you can rejoice. God is using every difficulty to strengthen your faith and make you like Jesus.
Look at that promise again.
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. – James 1:2-3
Makes these confessions:
- I rejoice in every trial.
- God uses every difficulty to strengthen and build my faith.
- I don’t rejoice for the trial but rejoice in the trial.
- Every time my faith is tested, I grow stronger in my faith and endurance.
In Jesus name,
Amen
You can face difficult times because you know God is in control and will use your trials to test and grow your faith. Every trial produces steadfast endurance and deepens your trust in God.
Just a quick reminder, if you live in the DFW area, tomorrow night, October 22, is our night of Praise and Purpose. I’ll be presenting the first concert I’ve done in many, many years. We will also be celebrating 4 years of The National Prayer Room and The Daily Promise. Join us for this free night of music and inspiration. Click the Concert Menu above for more information.
Has your faith been tested in difficulty? Did your faith grow through that process? (Share your thoughts in the comment section below)
Rejoicing in this trial is a very, very difficult proposition! I have been battling, and I mean battling for nearly 3 mos. a depression that has taken me to a dark seemingly endless valley! Jesus is my only hope, that I know! I know he’s working, he’s already at my destination! It’s just so discouraging and painful (physically, mentally and spiritually) to go from day to day, hour to hour!!! Please pray my doctor’s will be guided by the Holy Spirit to make the right decisions re: an upcoming appt. & my meds, especially if a change is made! I also am desperate to reach remission for the sake of the most wonderful wife in the world! She is currently dealing supporting potentially serious health complications for our daughter’s 1st pregnancy and a young granddaughters health struggles!!! I need to be able to to be a help and support to my family! I pray so often “that this too shall pass” & that this is God’s will!!!
I’m also recovering from a complicated heart procedure just 2 days ago! My depression is where my prayers of healing & restoration are focused!
I know in whom I believe!!! But, it’s still so, so tough to say the least!
Thank you Billy for the Daily Promise! Please lift me up before the Lord!
Ken uplifting you in prayer, lean on the Lord. Lord, Jesus, please let this family see your miracles for individuals and family, Praise to you Father, Amen,