Consider it Pure Joy
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“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2–4
“We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope”
Romans 5:3–4
The breaking we feel is often the making of something deeper faith that endures.
Anyone can appear strong when life is steady. But when storms rise and the ground feels like it’s crumbling, the foundation of our faith is revealed. Do we lean on our own understanding, or do we stand firm in the promises of God?
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea.” Psalm 46:1–2
Scripture invites us to cast the full weight of our burdens onto the Lord.
“Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved” Psalm 55:22
When we place our weakness in His hands, He gives us His strength in return.
Paul discovered this truth in his own suffering: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Rather than seeing weakness as failure, Paul saw it as the place where Christ’s power was revealed. “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Peter gives us another perspective. He reminds us that trials refine us, burning away what is temporary and revealing the beauty of lasting faith.
“You have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:6–7
Though trials press hard, they do not last forever.
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” 2 Corinthians 4:16–17
Even Jesus prepared us for this reality.
"In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” John 16:33
Trouble is not a sign that God has abandoned us; it is a reminder that we belong to the One who has already overcome.
When we choose trust over fear and peace over panic, we declare without words: “I am not standing because of my own strength. I am standing because my God is faithful.”
“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf.” Hebrews 6:19–20
So do not see hardship only as pain; see it as an invitation. It is your calling to display a faith that endures. It is your chance to show the world that your anchor holds firm, not because of who you are, but because of who He is.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” James 1:12
Let adversity press you closer to His heart. Let it refine you, not define you. And let it remind you that the God who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ Jesus.
𝘽𝙮 𝙄𝙖𝙣 𝙑𝙤𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚