James 1:2 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever
you face trials of many kinds, [...]"
Pure joy is to be considered whenever I face trials of many kinds?
Such backwards knowledge this verse is to my flesh.
Consider yourself someone to be pitied and shown compassion whenever you face trials of many kinds is how the flesh wants to read that.
Consider YOURSELF .
But I am not the one the LORD calls me to consider when I face trials.
I consider it.
I consider the trials because God is training me.
God is shaping me in this present age.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, (Titus 2:11-13 ESV)
God teaches us to consider the things outside of ourselves.
To focus on the external.
Because the internal wants is waging war against the lessons and blessings and gifts of our savior in this present age.
Self-control, upright, godly lives are something the believer constantly seeks.
How much more should I rejoice and consider it joy when I undergo trials of ANY KIND?
this is just an encouragement.
You are being shaped daily and hourly, by our great LORD.
He is teaching you the things that bring heaven to earth within your own life.
He is teaching you the path of righteousness and equipping you.
He has already rebuked the winds that will break you.
He has calmed the seas that will tilt you over.
He has calmed the seas that will tilt you over.
He is allowing this trial for a reason and the reason is simply to bring glory to Him and bring you closer to Him.
Rejoice my friend!
Dear sister, count it JOY!
Be blessed :)
♥CheChe
3 HugsandBlessings:
Wise words. Thanks for sharing!
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Girl, each time I come to your blog you have something that speaks directly to my heart! This is something I truly struggle with! I want to throw a pity party and hunker down and forget everything that God tells me, because I'm sad and life sucks and I want to be miserbale, dang it! But you're so right- focus on the external. Trials happen for a reason. Thank you for sharing!
what a good reminder to count it all joy :)
XO
erin
sweetnessitself.blogspot.com
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