Higher Grace Church IntlHaving Joy in the midst of trials
Having joy in the midst of trials
“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 NKJV
The apostle James' words in James 1:2 prove it is possible to have joy in the midst of trials.
Joy is listed among the qualities described as the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22
Apostle Paul suffered numerous trials in 2 Corinthians 11:22–29, such as
🩸hard labour
🩸Imprisonments
🩸Shipwrecks
🩸Bearings and stoning
🩸Hunger and thirst, and so on
When he wrote to the Philippians he was a prisoner* (Philippians 1:14), but _his letter reveals his abundant joy, and he urged his readers to rejoice.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4 NKJV
Jesus told His followers that they would encounter tribulation in the world.
“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.]”
John 16:33 AMP
Jesus promised His followers fullness of joy if they would keep His commandments.
“If you keep My commandments and obey My teaching, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy may be made full and complete and overflowing.”
John 15:10-11 AMP
Prophet Nehemiah is encouraging us not grieve.
“And do not be worried, for *the joy of the LORD is your strength and your stronghold.”
Nehemiah 8:10b AMP
Have a blessed week. *Join me this evening on Facebook Livestream from 6-7 pm*