Consider This

James 1:1-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 

So when’s the last time you felt joyful when you faced multiple trials and hardships?  I’m not sure I’ve ever felt that emotion, but rather, I’ve felt panic and fear!  But this verse says to “consider it pure joy.”

When Jesus was about to be crucified, the bible says he was able to endure because of the joy set before him.  He knew he was obeying his Father, he knew he was erasing the sins of the world, and he knew resurrection was coming after his death.

So if you’re in the middle of many trials, ask God to reveal to you the good that’s in the works.  Most of all, listen and obey Him.  Realize that God’s ways are higher than yours and all things work together for good.  And rest and revel in the fact that the same resurrection power is yours, and you will rise again, full of glory and power.

Once you've considered all of this...leap for joy...because God is at work in your life...so that you lack nothing.