WEDNESDAY November 6, 2019

Count it all Joy

My brethren, 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

The Apostle James wrote to Christians who were going through tremendous times of testings. How many of us love trials? None of us do!  We pray, “Lord take away my trials.” But our trials build character. If you have a rough piece of wood, you have to sand it to smooth out the rough edges. Trials can be as sandpaper to smooth out the rough character of our lives. Trials are actually good for us; they make us strong in the Lord.

When you are being tried or tempted, how do you deal with the situation?

The reaction of some people is to murmur and complain––they have no joy. Yet joy is the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). James tells us, “Count it all joy” when we are in the midst of trials. Why? God is using them to mold and shape our Christian character. Understand, God will not give you more than you can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Besides, when we count it all joy in our trials, the world can see our joy, peace and love. Joy is deeply inward, knowing God will work all things together for good (Romans 8:28). When the next trial comes, you will be able to endure––you will have learned patience.

God wants to produce patience in our lives. Patience is not going to happen overnight; you have to allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life. Do not let your life be dominated by your flesh––carnal desires––otherwise; you will not progress in your Christian walk. The Lord is trying to teach each one of us how to deal with our desires and our emotions. In Christ, we should lack nothing, because we have learned what God has wanted us to understand. We are satisfied.

Trials are essential to the Christian life. When you are going through difficult trials in your life, is your joy evident to others?

Take a saint, and put him in any condition, and he knows how to rejoice in the Lord.
~Walter Cradock~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!