Key Verse: James 1:2-4
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.
Can we face trials and temptations with joy, knowing that our faith will grow from such hardships? So many of us focus on how we start the race God calls us to run, but he’s more interested in how determined we are in running it, and that we keep on persevering to the end!
The difficult times you experience might be your own fault, might be the devil’s work, or might simply be an opportunity for God to refine you and give you a solid foundation! Many of the darkest times in our lives are also the seasons where we draw closest to Him. We are acutely aware of our need for God, and cling tightly to his good promises. If you are a son or daughter of God, rest assured that your Heavenly Father is using your hardships to strengthen and refine you, that you may persevere and experience the ‘pure joy’ of His peace and refuge.
Pray and Respond:
In what ways have you seen God work in the hardships of your life? Looking back at the difficult times, how has God used those experiences to stretch and grow you? Pray that you would view trials as growth opportunities for your faith, and that God would give you perseverance to continue running the race he’s set out for you.
