Joy in Trials
Devotional Reading: My brothers and sisters, think of the various tests you encounter as occasions for joy. James 1:2 CEB
This verse in consideration was a hard verse to accept when I first read it. How is it possible to look at a trial and say, “Hey, I am going to have joy even though I am in this trial?” The first thing that we must receive is if the Word said it’s possible, that means we can do it. Say it out loud…
“I can have JOY in the middle of a storm.”
Matthew 8:24 says “Suddenly, a violent storm developed, with waves so high the boat was about to be swamped. Yet Jesus continued to sleep soundly.”
Jesus and the disciples are in the middle of a storm. The winds, waves, and everything else is flying around. The disciples are worrying thinking that they are about to die, but Jesus is ASLEEP!
Jesus knew the storm was coming so it wasn’t a shock to Him. However, Jesus was sound asleep in the boat. Jesus knew that He could handle the storm, but judging from the question that He asked the disciples in verse 26, “Oh ye of little faith, why are you so afraid?” He expected them to use the faith that they had.
God expects you to use your faith and your authority in a trial. You are not supposed to be afraid and fret. He fully EXPECTS you to use your faith and that’s why you can count it joy. The testing of your faith produces patience, and it will have a perfect work in you. It doesn’t always feel good in the moment, but the results are worth it.
Decide to have joy in the trial. You are already a mountain-mover and an overcomer, so you might as well have a great attitude about it.
Decide to have joy in the process, and God will take care of the progress.
Prayer and Confession
“I choose today to have joy in the trial. I will not focus on the storm’s winds and rain, but I will look at what I can do. I can exercise my faith and speak to the storm. God expects me to use my faith, and when I do, I will see things change in my life. I HAVE THE VICTORY IN EVERY TRIAL!”
Further Reading – Philippians 4:4, 1Thessalonians 5:16
