“TOUGH TIMES NEVER LAST, TOUGH PEOPLE DO”
Read Habakkuk 3:17-19
FINDING JOY DURING THE TRIALS written by Carol Round
Key Verse: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds…”—James 1:2 (NIV).
Joy may seem out of reach for those who are suffering during the current pandemic. I can understand, and I pray for those whose trials are greater than mine. As I spend time with my Heavenly Father each morning, I lift in prayer those who are on the front lines. They include medical personnel, first respondents, law enforcement, truck drivers, grocery store employees, and others required to work during this time.
The Right Perspective
Like many people, there are times I wish I could escape during difficult trials. Right now, I’d love to shop without fear of being exposed to a deadly disease. I wear a mask and disposable gloves. When I arrive home, I sanitize each item I’ve purchased. I’m still trying to find the joy during the arduous process of cleaning my purchases.
However, I’ve found joy during a 20-second hand washing. Did you know saying the Lord’s Prayer takes 20 seconds? While thoroughly scrubbing my hands, I draw closer to God as I recite the prayer Jesus taught His disciples.
As I’m praying, I can view my backyard from the kitchen sink. Peace settles over me as I watch the birds seeking sustenance at my feeders. I smile at the antics of the squirrels chasing each other around a tree trunk. My joy returns as I realize that whatever happens, God is with me—always.
Trials can be a Blessing
How do you respond when things happen outside of your control? Do you complain? Venting on social media or arguing with others who have a different viewpoint, doesn’t change the situation. You might feel temporary satisfaction, but does it bring you lasting happiness?
Trials, however long they last, can in fact, be a tremendous blessing. It requires us to see trials through God’s perspective. He allows trials in our lives to help us grow, to mature spiritually. We’ll never grow in our walk with Christ without trials. Through them, God teaches us and guides us to become the person He wants us to be. This is one of the greatest blessings we can ever receive.
PRAYER: Father, I believe that these tough times will turn out for my own good. Help me to be patient.
