An Opportunity for Joy

Posted on November 9, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters

One of the most troublesome verses in the Bible is James writing, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” (James 1:2) We don’t typically associate trouble with joy. But what we do know is when something as precious as faith is ‘tested or proved,’ the adversity it endures refines all corruption out of it, causing it to grow in strength and brilliance. ‘So let it grow,’ James tells Believers, ‘for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete (in Christ), needing nothing.” (James 1:3-4) The heat of the crucible that faith is subjected to will have diminished doubt, fear, and anxiety for those who chose to believe God can do all He promises. Three main promises are, standing with us in the fire of adversity, providing for our every need, and fighting for us against all that opposes His perfect will.

To possess something as powerful as a God-proven faith, a faith refined as a precious metal is, and able to protect you as a soldier’s shield deflects the arrows of the enemy… to understand what you have been given should result in joy. Consider this… a battle-tested believer, telling of pocket watches and bibles stopping bullets; Or, how about those who speak of turning from their destinations, only to avoid some disaster, Or, how about God providing finances that cover all your future needs? Coincidence, or God at work in our lives? A faith that trusts in God’s Word, that listens to the Spirits guidance, and obeys what they are shown… regardless of what our ‘sight’ tells it, is a faith that positions itself in an opportunity to know joy. When we walk ‘in step with The Spirit,’ who is given to Believers, we are protected from all catastrophe… how can this not produce joy? When God provides exactly what we need for every circumstance that we will face, what gratitude should be conceived instead of fear and worry! When we see His plan unfold before our eyes, what joy we will know as we experience His divine provision. He puts in place all we need before we even realize we needed it; this is why James writes, “Count it all joy when you face trials of any kind,” you are about to witness God’s hand at work in your life, revealing His grace and love for you! What joy you are about to experience, if only you would be still in gratitude and wonder, knowing God is at work!

There is hope, and His name is Jesus. I pray you grasp hold of His hand and be amazed!

Choose wisely

Praying 4 U

 

Written by David Brown: David Brown is a husband, father, grandfather, Pastor with a Masters of Religious Studies and a Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religions. Dave is the Associate Pastor of Pemberton’s First Baptist Church. He is the author of two devotional books, “From a Chair by the Window.” And “#PrayerWinsThe Day”.

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This Week’s Verse to Memorize:  “And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; ⁶ For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” – Hebrews 12:5-6