Devotionals
"Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kind, because you know that the testing of your faith developes perserverence."
James 1:2-3
I have to be honest in saying that I really don't mind reading this verse when I am in a good mood. But when I am upset, and things are going wrong, I usually choose not to look at it or think about it. Most people do not like to think about trials and problems. Thats natural, and not wrong. But it is important to really understand verses like this in the bible, when bad things do happen. ANd I do mean when, not if.
I don't really have a whole lot of joy when I am upset. Misery is more like it. But joy is not always a feeling of elation and happiness. It can make you feel that way. But joy, like a lot of the gifts that God gives us, is not based on feelings. I do not know the actual definition of joy. But the way I can define it, is-the steadfast knowledge within your heart and mind that no matter how things look, God is in control, He is good, and everything is going to be ok. Joy isn't always happy. But joy looks beyond the situation and sees the victory is in sight.
WHAT IS PERSERVERANCE?
Everyone probably knows what perserverance means, Its means pressing on, in simple terms. But how do we press on when we no longer have the strength? We rely on God for strength. Because if we are not relying on God, we are not pressing on, we are spent! We have to press on in Him. Sometimes the greatest act of strength and courage one can exhibit is to totally depend upon God with their whole life. Strength does not always result in action. Sometimes it results in surrender. Surrendering to the Lord should really be easier than it actually is. But we as humans have a tendency to want to do it all on our own, and not let the Lord take over. But the sooner we let HIm do that, the better it will get, because we actually give our situation to someone who KNOWS what He is doing, rather than trying to do it all ourselves. ANd no, we do not always know what we are doing, no matter how much we hate to admit it! Exhibit great acts of strength today. Rest in God. Just like the men and woman of the bible. Those who were the strongest were those who had God behind them 100% because they gave it all to HIm! Do you want to be mighty and victorious? Let God fight your battles. Perservere to follow God and let Him be in control!
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Thanks for sharing.
Only,
Joy
Keep writing for the Glory of God!!!
In Christ,
Dee
"Numbers 6:24,25,26"