Does this really produce joy?

The Apostle James had a powerful revelation about trials and tribulations. He was joyful in the midst of trials because he knew that these tests produced endurance, spiritual maturity and inner peace. He also knew that this is the way to develop strong, completely developed faith. James 1:2-4 (AMP) “Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing”. So if you are experiencing tests and trials,  be assured that this process will help to mature you in your faith, spiritual maturity and inner peace. Wow, are you ready to be joyful in the midst of your trial. Remember that when you get to the end of the trial, there will be a great reward!

Don’t give up! Do this instead.

Part of the the training that the Lord Jesus gave the Apostles was the importance of never giving up and losing heart in the midst of any crises or issues. Luke 18:1 says: “Now Jesus was telling the disciples a parable to make the point that at all times they ought to pray and not give up and lose heart “. Jesus never said anything without an important reason. He knew that we would encounter great difficulties in life and because of this, we need to know that we have powerful weapons of warfare: Prayer and standing on His promises! John 16:33 says: “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding]. Today, be encouraged. God reminds you that He already won the battle for you. Stand strong in the faith. Put on the whole armor of God. Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee (James 4:7). Stand in the victory that Jesus already won for us!