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--February 22 2017--

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Pure Joy

James 1:2-3 NIV
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 

I have read this verse many times and it has only been in the last few months that I have really focused on the plural content here. 'Trials of many kinds' does not mean a trial or two but lots and lots of trials consisting of all sorts of different things. Christians can be under attack from Satan but they also may be going through trials in order to create perseverance in our faith, which is unseen.

We are going to face trials, that is a given but God tells us to 'consider it pure joy'. Now really?! This is totally backwards to our way of thinking. It does take a bit getting use to but the quicker we learn this lesson the better it is for us and those around us. After all, who wants to spend time with a grumpy, miserable person? Well, you might for a while but after a bit of hanging around a cantankerous person you will find it rubbing off on you.

Joy, defined by Dictionary.com
the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation,

Wow, this is pretty backwards to our general line of thought, 'caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying', Let's look deeper.

Every single person has trials to go through and I can pretty well guarantee that it is not pretty. Most often it is extremely painful, either physically, emotionally, spiritually or financially. So then, if joy is caused by something fantastic how can we feel and manifest this joy while we are in pain? Let's look a bit further. The last part of v 3 says; 'the testing of your faith produces perseverance'.

James 1:4 NIV
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Perseverance, defined by Dictionary.com
steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles or discouragement.

We are building endurance, training for the race of life. Perseverance will get us through and focusing on the prize at the end of the trial will give us joy while going through the trial. What is this prize? Treasure in heaven. A home that will never rot, no darkness, walking in the physical company of Jesus and uniting with believers from all over and so much more.


James 1:5-8 NIV
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. 

Remember when you were a child and you were playing a game? How that game was so very real, you believed it. This is how we should be with believing and not doubting God. Ask God and believe it is yours and He will give it to you. It may not manifest in the way you think it should but it will be perfect because it is His way.

You are not alone in this life, Jesus is right beside you through all of your trials. Trust Him. Believe in His Word, for He cannot lie. Be joyful in all circumstances and remember if at first you don't succeed try and try again.

Please remember five year old Ansley in your prayers. She is going through this last bit of chemo and is so very ill. She told her mom she just wished someone would kill her so she doesn't have to deal with this cancer any longer. How sad for a mom to hear that. Please lift her up and keep her covered in the Blood.

Blessings,
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16 comments:

  1. This was a most encouraging post for me. Thank you, so very much for writing it.

    Praying for little Ansley!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you so very much for this post, it was so encouraging to this heart that is weary.

    Praying for little Ansley!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Emily,
    I just really think it is so cool watching God work and being a part of it. I believe He is working in and through you, using your experiences to glorify His Name.

    Lifting you up often. Thanks for praying for Ansley. :)

    Hugs,
    <><

    ReplyDelete
  4. Needed the reminder and encouragement It is amazing how easy at times the flesh takes over. Blessings.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you for sharing this with me, and I will indeed, pray . . . for Ansley.

    There was something that happened to me between 12:00 o'clock midnight and 1:00am that would have probably scarred a non believer who hasn't given their life over to our Lord Jesus Christ with great fright, but for me, the situation that took place actually didn't scare me in the least! As a matter of fact I found it as a test to see in how strong I'd take my stand in the Lord, and stand I did, and what was there had no choice but to leave the premises where me and my wife stay! Plus much more took place when I made that call out to our Lord Jesus! Calling out to Him was so powerful, that now I know I can make that call . . . whenever in need, like I used to . . . in the past.

    God bless,
    Lon

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  6. Hi JBR,
    Oh yes, the flesh is very strong. :s Still lifting you up to the Lord hon.

    Hi Lon,
    Thanks for praying for Ansley, she is in need.

    I am so glad that the Lord is with you Lon. Call on His name and He will not let you down, He is faithful it is us who are faithless.

    Thanks for stopping by!
    Blessings,
    <><

    ReplyDelete
  7. Amen! He alone is forever faithful and is always there, especially when we are going through trials.

    Take care and have a nice day :-)

    And thanks for your recent comment on My Blog :-)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Linked to this here: http://extendingeagerhands.blogspot.com/2011/11/trials-timing-and-joy.html?spref=tw

    You're dear to me, sister!

    Emily

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Ron,
    He is faithful even when we are not. Thanks for stopping by!!

    Hi Emily,
    I will check out your post. You too are dear to me. :)

    Hi Lisa,
    Thanks for your prayers, I know it means so much to Ansley's mom.

    Blessings,
    <><

    ReplyDelete
  10. (((Praying for Ansley and her family.))) x ♥ x o

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Kerrie,
    Thanks for your prayers! I know they mean so much to this family.

    God Bless hon,
    <><

    ReplyDelete
  12. Just dropping in to sprinkle some loving kindness :) and spread some smiles your way.

    I don't think a day goes by when I don't think of you.

    I've added prayer buttons to my sidebar now. O dear, my heart feels like it went through a paper shredder, just reading their personal stories of suffering and pain. All that these these children, and their families endure is beyond comprehension. Tonight I sit and just wonder about it all, especially after reading the latest post written by Tripp's Mumma.

    I continue to lift them up in prayer.

    Wishing you a blessed Sunday!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Kerrie,
    I agree that it must be so tough having a very ill child. Parents going through all of this need lots of prayers to help them make it through.

    Thanks for sending love and smiles, they are much appreciated. :)

    Smiling back,
    <><

    ReplyDelete
  14. Dear Child of God,

    Following is a link to a friend of mine (also named Kerrie).

    I just read about a precious little boy in need of prayer.

    http://kerrieshomejournal.blogspot.com/2011/11/special-request.html

    Thank you and God bless you dear friend!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Kerrie,

    Thank you for telling me about this little boy. :) I will visit your friends blog and add him to my prayer list.

    God bless,
    <><

    ReplyDelete

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God Bless,
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