My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4

Our Ladies Bible Fellowship Christmas party featured a guest speaker who shared her story with recent trials in her life. Her trials were difficult yet her joy in re-telling her story was a blessing.
Just a few days later I was at my kitchen sink in the morning where I have a perpetual calendar based on Lysa Terkeurst’s book “The Best Yes:. I flipped to the current day and read – “Trials are working something good in us we can’t get any other way. We can find joy in that.”

As I remembered Theresa and what she shared along with this quote I had to ask myself if I have reason to be joyful in my own trials. I started to think of some of the most basic yet profound ways I can find joy in the midst of my own trials.

I know the Lord is intimately involved in the circumstances. Knowing He is there brings joy.

I know the Lord is intimately involved in molding me into His image. Knowing His hands are shaping me for His good purposes brings me joy.

I know the Lord, by His Spirit, is teaching me. I know I have much to learn about suffering and finding joy.

I know the Bible is true. I know that James 1:2-4 can be tough to hear and tougher to live. I know our trials work in us – a perfecting work that would never have been accomplished if it had not been for the trials you and I go through.

It’s a crazy idea – count it all joy. It can only be joy when our Heavenly Father is involved, working, perfecting, completing so that we lack nothing.

Blessings,
Kathy

Kathy Withers is on staff at America’s Keswick and serves as Director of Partner Care. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 30 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local Church and teaches a Bible Study for women. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.