Consider it Pure Joy

Last night I read James 1 for a Bible Study some friends and I have started doing.

Lots of the verses stood out to me...but especially this one.

James 1:2-3 "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."

Pure Joy. Often when trials come in my life, "pure joy" is far from how I would describe the way I feel. Difficult circumstances can make things seem hopeless...they can make you feel alone...they can make you feel scared and confused.

But this verse sheds a whole new light on that for me. When trials come, we should "consider it pure joy" because "you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." As I look back on trials that have come in my life, I see first hand that it does, indeed, produce perseverance. Each trial I have gone through has drawn me closer to my family, and closer to God.

When trials come..."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." James 1:2-3

When you're scared...remember that "God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

When you feel alone...remember that "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5b

Emily