Growing Through Adversity

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested your endurance has a chance to grow. James 1:2-3

When trouble comes your way and it will, what do you focus on? We tend to focus on the problem rather than the solution. However, James tells us to consider our trials whatever they may be as an opportunity for great joy. You might be thinking like I have at times, are you serious? How am I supposed to experience joy when I am in the middle of a trial?

As we consider (to think about before making a decision) something it gives us the time needed to think about what we should do next. We can focus on the problem or think about the opportunity we have. We have the opportunity to put our faith in God. When we choose to trust God with our circumstances He has the power to change them. Now, I must say He doesn't always do this, but He will always walk through our trials with us. I believe most of the time God chooses to change us rather than change our circumstances.

Trials test our obedience and we can find joy in knowing God is in control of all our situations. When our faith is tested in the midst of our trials, heartache, pain, and suffering we all have a choice to make. We can choose to live in despair (eventually losing all hope) or we can choose to be joyful even during the hardest of times. We can experience joy when we put our faith in God and enter into His presence. "It is an attitude of spirit that is fixed upon eternal glories and heavenly blessings, so much so that the sorrows of earth do not cause despair of soul." - Julie Gossack

The Holy Spirit has the power working within us to produce joy. God will strengthen our faith and our endurance. He will also refine our character, so we will learn to be content in all circumstances. We can find joy in knowing God will strengthen and change us. Because of Him our endurance has the chance to grow.