Consider It All JoySample

Count it All Joy?

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

Lord,

It seems humanly impossible to endure this testing of my faith. Everything I know about You has been shaken to its core, and the last thing I feel like doing is regarding this as a joyful experience. I thought I had a decent grasp on my relationship with You, but I am struggling to understand this pain. Why am I allowing this trial to make me question Your goodness and doubt my beliefs? How can I count this trial of faith as joy and not chalk it up as total heartache?

I don’t want to pray away the blessing of becoming more like You through difficulties. Your Word says my trials produce a steadfastness in my spirit that perfects my faith. Lord, renew my spirit and let Your steadfastness have its full effect! You are using my weariness to mold me into the image of Christ, and that is beautiful in Your eyes. Thank You for loving me enough to hold me.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.