\u00a0<\/p>\n When you read the title of this blog, some might think it strange how Joy is synonymous with trials. However, when we read the letter written by the brother of Jesus, our brother James to fellow Believers he wrote:<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Consider it nothing but JOY<\/strong>, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. <\/em>Be assured that the testing of your faith<\/strong> [through experience] produces endurance \u00a0<\/p>\n When James wrote this letter, the church was under tremendous persecution; many were tortured and killed for their faith in Jesus Christ. Our brother James knew the cost he had to pay and was willing to sacrifice his whole being to follow Christ. Some of our sisters and brothers in Nigeria, China, and other parts of the world are being persecuted for their faith. Our trials that come to test our faith may come in numerous ways. Becoming a Christian will sometime require us to move out of our comfort zones and into the unknown. Perseverance in testing results in spiritual maturity and completeness. The testing of our faith can also come in small ways and daily irritations; they may also be severe afflictions (Isaiah 48:10<\/a>) and attacks from Satan (Job 2:7<\/a>). Whatever the source of the testing, it is to our benefit to undergo the trials that our\u00a0Father allows. We get to grow in our faith and dependence upon our Lord.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Another one of our brothers had something to say about trials and unpleasant circumstances. The Apostle Paul wrote these words to his brothers and sisters in Christ.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n IN Everything Give Thanks<\/strong>: for this is the WILL of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. \u00a0<\/p>\n When reading I Thessalonians 5:18, one word jumps off the page, \u201cIN<\/em>.\u201d I don\u2019t know about you, but I haven\u2019t given the Lord thanks \u201cIN<\/em>\u201d everything, situation, or circumstances. I have encountered. It has taken me years not to grumble, pout, wish away, pray away, murmur, or complain my way through them. I often acted like a spoiled little brat or a knucklehead when I faced trials, sickness, stress, or situations I did not like. I learned to put on a spiritual fa\u00e7ade and said, \u201cPraise God, He will work it out,<\/em>\u201d but inwardly, still be anxious, fearful, fretting, or depressed. Yes, I tried that for a while, but my mask kept falling off.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n What I have learned over the years is to talk to the Lord and tell Him exactly what I am thinking and feeling. And guess what? He already knows. In being open and honest, He always responded to me with such grace, love, and understanding. We did not agree completely many times, but eventually, I came around to His wisdom and purposes for the circumstances. No, my circumstances did not always change. However, I was changed by the circumstances for good. So being honest and open with our Lord allows Him to reveal some beautiful truths. Here are a few that came to my heart:<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/hispreciousgift.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Cactus.jpg\")
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Her parents watched as the little girl squirmed, trying to figure her way out. Finally, after being scratched and poked by the prickly needles of the cactus, she cried for help. \u00a0Like Joy, we try to figure out ways to get out of our difficult circumstances, forgetting to turn to the Lord living <\/span>within us<\/em> for His wisdom and guidance to lead us out.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/em> [leading to spiritual maturity and inner peace].\u00a0<\/em>James 1:2-3 (Amplified)<\/strong><\/p>\n
<\/em>I Thessalonians 5:18 (Amplified)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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