Finding Joy in Difficult Times
Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:2-4, NKJ).
One thing is for sure, every person on earth goes through seasons of difficulty. We all have times when our expectations aren't met, or a friend lets us down, or things just don't turn out the way we planned. But, we can't let those challenges become stumbling blocks that affect our faith. Instead, we have to turn them into stepping stones that draw us closer to God.
Every trial, every adversity is a defining moment in our lives. Those difficulties can either hold us back, or they can propel us forward into the good things God has for us. We decide how those things will affect our lives by the attitude we choose. If we choose to be bitter and upset constantly complaining about what's happening, we aren't going to get very far. But if we choose to have a positive attitude of faith, if we choose to find joy even in the midst of our trials, we can move forward in His peace and joy. I love what James says will happen next—when we allow patience to work in our lives, we become complete, lacking nothing! That's something to get excited about! That's something to have joy over! On the other side of that difficulty is a place of wholeness, abundance and victory!
Today, no matter what you may be going through, make sure you keep the right attitude. Find joy in the midst of your difficulty knowing that it's only temporary. Keep your eyes focused straight ahead and keep moving forward. Be encouraged today because as you keep the right attitude in adversity, you will find joy, you will be filled with His peace, and you will move forward into the life of victory He has promised you!
One thing is for sure, every person on earth goes through seasons of difficulty. We all have times when our expectations aren't met, or a friend lets us down, or things just don't turn out the way we planned. But, we can't let those challenges become stumbling blocks that affect our faith. Instead, we have to turn them into stepping stones that draw us closer to God.
Every trial, every adversity is a defining moment in our lives. Those difficulties can either hold us back, or they can propel us forward into the good things God has for us. We decide how those things will affect our lives by the attitude we choose. If we choose to be bitter and upset constantly complaining about what's happening, we aren't going to get very far. But if we choose to have a positive attitude of faith, if we choose to find joy even in the midst of our trials, we can move forward in His peace and joy. I love what James says will happen next—when we allow patience to work in our lives, we become complete, lacking nothing! That's something to get excited about! That's something to have joy over! On the other side of that difficulty is a place of wholeness, abundance and victory!
Today, no matter what you may be going through, make sure you keep the right attitude. Find joy in the midst of your difficulty knowing that it's only temporary. Keep your eyes focused straight ahead and keep moving forward. Be encouraged today because as you keep the right attitude in adversity, you will find joy, you will be filled with His peace, and you will move forward into the life of victory He has promised you!