James 1:2-4
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
Many of the decisions we agonize over are decisions made in an effort to minimize trouble. But James tells us we can see trouble in a different light. We can see troubles as an opportunity for joy! Why? Because it’s in our troubles and our trials that our character is developed. We become better equipped to address troubles next time they come around.
Respond
1. When you face troubles throughout your day, do you see them as bad and avoid them or do you embrace them, seeing them as an opportunity? Reflect on why.
2. Ask God to help you see trouble as an opportunity for joy, as something that is helping mature and develop your character.