Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds …
James 1:2
 
Thought Of The Day...
Some things are easier said than done.
How is it possible to consider it joy when you’ve lost someone you love, or you’ve just been told that cancer is destroying your body? How can it be “pure joy” when you go through life with a disability that will not go away? Where is the joy when you lose your job, your home, or your business? How can you feel any joy when old age makes it almost impossible to enjoy much of anything?
Doesn’t James understand? Is he so far removed from life that he has no idea what the early Christians were experiencing?
Sometimes we talk without realizing what someone is going through. Years ago I told someone who was about to have surgery that she should turn it over to the Lord. She said, “You don’t know how I feel. You’re sitting on that chair, but I’m the one in bed facing surgery.”
Is that how James approaches the suffering of others?
No. James understood. He knew what it was like to be persecuted and what it meant to face suffering for the Lord Jesus. James also knew that God sometimes uses trials and challenges in our lives because he wants us to grow in faith. Trials can help us mature in our faith. James wants us to rejoice in this fact, knowing we can trust God always?even in troubling times.

Prayer...
Heavenly Father, in your word, James reminds us to count it all joy when we face trials and difficulties. It can be difficult for us to understand this, especially when we are going through tough times. But Lord, help us to trust in your wisdom and your perfect plan for our lives. Help us to find comfort in knowing that you are always with us, and that we can grow closer to you through every trial and struggle.

Give us strength and perseverance to face each trial with a joyful heart, knowing that you are using it to shape us into the image of your Son, Jesus Christ. Let us not focus on the difficulty of the situation, but instead fix our eyes on you, our ever-present help in times of trouble.

Father, we surrender our worries and fears to you, knowing that you are in control and that your love for us is unfailing. Help us to have a heart of gratitude, even in the midst of trials, for we know that you are always working for our good.

We thank you, Father, for your love, your grace, and your faithfulness. May we rejoice in every trial, knowing that through it, we can grow closer to you and become more like you. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Enjoy your Sunday Church Services and God Bless!