Daily Delight

"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. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." -James 1:2-4 (NIV)

James 1:2-4 has been quoted to me so many times over the course of this last week. And every time, those who quoted it to me would add, "It says consider it joy. It doesn't say be joyful. It says consider it joy."

The words in scripture are God-breathed. Each one is purposeful.

The writer of James was not ignorant. He knew that the outcome, the finished product, was something to be truly joyful about. He knew his trials wouldn't be easy, but he also knew they would be worth it in the end.

Behind each of our trials lies purpose; purpose planted by God for our good. You see, God uses every little and big thing we go through to grow us and refine us. When we turn our face toward Him during hard times, God uses our trials to bring glory to His name.

Our trials may be painful, but the outcome is something magnificent. The outcome is what it was always and will always be about.

My little brother has been facing some trials over the course of the last few weeks. There has been a very unstable classmate threatening him in a manner that disturbs everyone. His indirect threats reflect a dangerous situation for all the students at school. He's been expelled, but unless further action is taken the threat does not cease to exist.

My parents have to make the decision every day to send their son to school and trust the Lord will protect him and the other students. They have had to struggle through safety measures, higher authorities and their own wisdom.

To be concerned about your child's life is quite a trial. They are not enjoying it, but ultimately they will consider it joy. Why? Because the testing of our faith produces perseverance. Perseverance matures us and completes us.

My family and I are being refined through this trial.

You are being refined in your trial.

Consider it pure joy.

About the Author

Kelsey Huff

Kelsey is an overly-extroverted 23 year old writer, traveler and lover of Jesus. She lives full time in a converted van and travels with her husband and adventure pup. Her husband, Josiah, is a web developer and Kelsey maintains a faith based blog: www.rootedinreality.net