Devotionals

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My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into different temptations, knowing that the trying of your faith works patience.
New King James

My friends consider yourself fortunate when all kinds of trials come your way, for you know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure.
Good News Bible

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. English Standard Version

While meditating on this verse during my devotion this week, the Lord opened my spirit to the following revelations: One, if we meet trials and adversity with joy, that joy will produce patience, endurance and steadfastness; two, that kind of joy can only come from the heart of God and three, my God is a joyful God.
Knowledge of that character trait fills me with new strength to endure ...to overcome...to stand. Truly, the joy of the Lord is my strength. When I look at God with these new eyes, I see a happy, smiling Father...laughing with delight that I have at last discovered these truths about Him.

Enduring patience is the port-of-call. Faith is the ship. Trials and adversity, the stormy ocean. The ocean rages and the ship is tossed and battered, almost to the breaking point. Then, when all seems lost, suddenly standing on the bridge with me is God in the person of Jesus Christ...laughing into the spray and wind. He turns to me and claps me on the shoulder and says, “What an adventure this is, huh? When we reach port what a story we’ll have to tell!” And it is always when and not if with our Lord. Praise God! Finally, I see the truth of it. The stern, scolding, impossible -to-please king has been dethroned. In his place stands my joy-filled Savior. His joy is my strength and gladly do I serve my laughing Lord.

Everything about Him is covered and filled with joy. His love is the joyful love of a father for his child. His holiness produces unspeakable joy for all who dwell within it. His loving kindness...His steadfastness...His mercy...everything He does and everything that He is...saturated with joy. And all for a single purpose: that we may enjoy Him and love Him forever.

Looking into the smiling face of my Lord, my heart begins to beat faster. The worry and anxiety drains from my body and now I am smiling, too. And suddenly I am laughing out loud, for I know, I truly know: my God loves me. And in disbelief I realize that it was in adversity that my Lord proved that love. And it was by meeting that adversity with His joy, that I came know that holy love in a deeper way.

This is the sea I must sail if I am to reach my holy destination-the port of enduring patience. It is no longer something to be avoided...prayed against...abhorred. It no longer is something I try to survive...barely holding on...hoping against hope I’ll make it. It is to be embraced with joy. For the fruit is Jesus himself

Yes, I believe I can count it all joy when trials come. There may be the terror of the moment...the uncertainty of the outcome. But louder than my fear is the laughter of my Lord, full of joy. And up ahead I can see the harbor lights...I am home.

And oh what a story I have to tell. Thank you Jesus.

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