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TROUBLE, TESTING, AND TRIUMPH

Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. – James 1:2-4 (NLT)

            For the Christian, the way we perceive and react to the trials of life will determine the success or failure we experience. While it can be a difficult task, we need to search for the benefits of God that can be discovered in the trial itself. Oftentimes, what we consider an unpleasant or even unbearable circumstance, God sees as an opportunity for personal growth.  

            The goal for the Christ follower is not to seek out suffering, but when the affliction comes, to determine how it can be used for the glory of God. When we discover that our trouble can teach us patience, perseverance, and a determination to overcome, we recognize that even our most dreaded circumstances can many times be a cause for rejoicing. As we face trials, and overcome or learn to endure them, we become stronger and can more effectively deal with life in general.

PRAYER THOUGHT: Lord, I'm not seeking trouble, but when it comes let me find my strength in You.