Consider it a JOY

These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold – and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.1 Peter 1:7

Consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and compete, not deficient in anything.”  James 1:2-3

And so how do we count it all joy when we encounter various trials'?

• By trusting Him through them –

Psalm 56:3-4 - When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.  In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid.    What can mere mortals do to me?

• By keeping His word –

 Rev. 3:8, 10 -I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

• By keeping our faith alive with hope in Him –

Rev. 2:10 - Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.

• By praying for those who have been critical –

Job 42:10- After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.

God will strengthen, He will comfort, He will provide, He will help to see you through. Then when you pass the test, you will have proven the power of God to be victorious over Satan and his schemes to destroy. You will experience joy beyond measure from the endurance of your faith.

The joy comes from deep, abiding faith and in due time, the reward. Praise Him.

“…Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Rev. 2:10