Joy in Trials
Discipleship S.T.E.P.S.: SHAPE
Scripture: My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; – James 1:2 (KJV)
Joy is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of perspective. James instructs us to ‘count it all joy’ not because the trial itself is pleasant, but because of what the trial is producing: steadfastness and maturity. When we are in the middle of a struggle, we often focus on the pain, but joy comes when we pivot our focus toward the Sovereign God who is using that struggle to refine our SHAPE and prepare us for future service.
To find joy in a trial you must consciously believe that God is not wasting your pain. He is pruning refining and strengthening you. Shift your prayer today from ‘take this away’ to ‘what are you teaching me?’ As you lean into His presence you will find a reservoir of joy that is unaffected by the chaos of your circumstances, anchored in the truth that He is for you.
Prompt: How can you shift your perspective to find joy in your current difficulties?
Action Step: SHAPE focuses on molding our character to reflect Christ even in hardship.
Next Step: Identify one difficult situation and thank God for the growth it is producing.