Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:2-4, 12 ESV)
This verse can be hard to swallow, but recently, I’ve been able to embrace it in ways that I haven’t before. Trials are just easier when the presence of God is evident. Everything has purpose and meaning, and we don’t have to understand it. Knowing that our purpose is unfolding daily with God in the captain’s seat, and knowing that trials don’t define our day, but are just a part of them, really puts this in perspective.
Quite simply, the presence of God when trouble appears, is better than a day without God. What a beautiful promise that God makes following trials.
