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)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Some days, my circumstances dictate my attitude and make it difficult for me to get out of bed in the morning. Some days, I immediately wake up ready to conquer all of life’s trials. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀In James 1, we are reminded to consider our trials pure joy. My sassy and human response to this specific passage in James, however, often sounds like, “If only you knew what I was going through; if only you were me.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀And yet, of course the Lord knows the trials that we face. He is all-powerful and all-knowing. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀James graciously reminds us, as believers, that the testing of our faith produces perseverance. Then, he goes on to explain that perseverance creates, matures and completes followers of Christ. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Perseverance is difficult—especially in tough circumstances. But, sisters in Christ, you can persevere because the Maker of the universe resides within you!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Paul wrote this prayer to the Ephesians, but to us as well: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” (Ephesians 1:18-19, NIV) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀May we know the power that resides within us through Christ so that we can persevere through all life’s trials. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀May it give us joy!⠀⠀⠀
About the Author
Bethany Sayers
Bethany is a 21-year-old, people-loving girl who seeks to empower and challenge women to be exactly who the Lord has called them to be. She is passionate about worshiping her Creator, discipling young women, and spreading joy.