" Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trails of any sort or fall into various temptations.  Be assured and understand that the trail and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defect], lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4, Amplified ).

It is not easy to be joyful in times of tribulation or to have a positive outlook in the midst of struggles. But we are encouraged to be so because James was aware of what trials produce in our lives: faith, endurance, patience and the ability to stand unwavering.

Instead of complaining about struggles, see them as opportunities for growth.  Turn hardship into a time of learning with the understanding that,  “….all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose”(Romans 8:28, Amplified).

God’s desire is not to keep us from all life pains and difficulties but to have us strong and mature in Him.  He promised to never leave us alone or let us down (Joshua 1:5; Hebrews 13:5) but to stay close and help us grow.

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