"count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. and let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." [james 1:2-4]
i have read this verse so many times, yet when i faced trials, it seemed hard to have joy. i had the revelation the other day though that how Christians respond to trial is something that totally sets us apart from nonbelievers. it is so typical for the enemy to try to steal our joy, because it can be a way to disarm us, or discourage us, but james encourages by saying no! count it joy! even though things may be hard God will use it to do great things! we are encouraged and given a reason to be joyful.

"looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." [Hebrews 12:2 ESV]
even JESUS, the Son of God, had to look to what lie ahead and not dwell on the momentary affliction. He is our perfect example, He did not let the enemy of men's soul steal His joy and lead Him into disobedience, no He pressed on for He knew the joy which lie ahead. and we shall do likewise. like job, we shall bless the name of the Lord no matter what the season. yes He gives and takes away. shall we only bless Him when its in our favor?! no of course not. so i encourage you all, when you face trials, when things seem hard, when life is stressful, call on Jesus, get into Gods word, cause we can do it alone. we must be filled with the Spirit, for JOY is a fruit of the Spirit. we should be able to have joy in every situation, paul is right, because we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us and we know that the suffering we experience now cannot even be compared to the glory that is to be revealed!! don't let your joy be taken from you, no but persevere in prayer, and be filled with joy from our great Father in heaven!

[feel free to share what difficult circumstances God has given you to be joyful through and to strengthen your faith through, that we'll lack in nothing. ]

with much joy thanks to Jesus,
the mrs. :)