“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 NIVUK
No one wants to hear about the need to endure, we crave relief and permission to quit at times. But the ability to endure, as seen in this verse, is an amazing gift: to not give up, but to keep loving, keep believing, keep going, is actually where joy is located! It’s only when you face trials and press in to God that you realise how faithful He really is, how capable you really are, and how much He can use what you go through for His good purposes, getting you to where you need to be! That confident trust in the face of trials produces a joy which is strength to us! That’s why we must rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice! Lord Jesus, thank you that for the joy set before You, the joy of seeing us saved, the joy of us being with You forever, You endured the cross. Help me to fix my eyes on You, stay in lane, and finish the race strong. Amen 🙌🏼❤️