Count it Joy
James 1:2-4 — “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the test- ing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be
perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
I recently had a conversation with someone about having fun. Admittedly, I’m not always very good at it. That conversation led to a discussion about joy. Joy is a good feeling marked by happiness, contentment, peace and well-being. If you look around in scripture for texts about joy, they are usually associated with interactions with God the Father, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. We are either receiving joy from the Lord, praising Him with joy or choosing joy because we know the Creator of it.
In James 1, we are told to count it all joy when we are challenged. The verse goes on to say that trials and testing produce steadfastness, the quality of being resolute or so fixed on something that you are unwavering. We are to be so unwavering in our faith, so fixed on Christ that even in the midst of suffering, we are joyful. I’m not sure that God has grown that steadfastness fully in me yet, but I’ve seen it in others. It is an amazing thing to observe because it is so counter-intuitive. I think it must begin with a grateful heart—everyday. For what or whom are you grateful? Have you expressed that to God or someone else? Do it today!
I pray that I can approach each day, each moment of my life, so fixed on the Lord that I can’t help but be joyful regardless of my circumstances! May the same be true of you.
For His Glory,
Lisa V Yerrick
Praises
For the personal stories of lives changed through the ministry of CEF, shared at our Annual Fundraising Banquet this week.
For the 1200+ volunteers who have begun conducting Good News Club at schools this Fall.
For the donors who have answered God’s call to help fund the ministry so that we might continue to reach children with the Gospel.
Prayer Requests
God would raise up church partners for nine schools in need of them, in order to start Good News Club.
Children’s hearts are stirred to respond to God’s truth and love.
Family members would also be changed as a result of children in Good News Club and the involvement of local church partners.
