"COUNT IT ALL JOY!"

James 1:2-4                   (ESV)
"2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
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Dr. Charles Stanley is one of my favorite preachers.   His devotional, along with Max Lucado's, are in my inbox everyday like clockwork.  Another man of GOD that I listen to frequently is Bishop Robert E. Smith.   Because of where he lives I am able to visit his church on occasion, but I listen to his webcast most mornings.   Recently he completed his "Morning Manna" with a phrase that went something like "sometimes GOD's most effective tool in our lives is disappointment"!  When I researched the phrase, this sermon from Dr. Stanley came up:

Troubles point out our weaknesses and prompt us to rely on God in ways that we wouldn’t unless we had significant needs. Christ’s invitation to those who are weary becomes very attractive in the midst of trials: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30). Adversity is a classroom in which we can learn more of CHRIST and BECOME MORE LIKE HIM!"

While meditating "these things", GOD spoke to me that, in my case especially, sometimes HE has to put me into situations where I "HAVE" to rely on HIM, for it seems I have a propensity for saying "look what I've done," unless HE supernaturally does the unexplainable!  GOD promises HE will never leave us nor forsake us, but HE doesn't promise HE will make our road smooth sailing!   In James 1:2 scripture says "CONSIDER IT ALL JOY"  "WHEN" you fall into difficulties!  Notice it doesn't say IF YOU FALL INTO DIFFICULTIES!

There are going to be difficulties in our lives, but are they too difficult for GOD?  Since HE lives inside our bodies (John 17:23) HE should have the right to endure any difficulties we encounter so that HE can be glorified!  There are too many people who want to live a life free of pain and heartache when GOD's Word plainly tells us to "COUNT IT ALL JOY" when difficulties come our way, "knowing that the testing of your faith PRODUCES endurance!"  The word PRODUCES indicates to me that GOD is "creating, bring forth" (according to one dictionary) a work in me that I probably am unaware that I was able to accomplish?

There is a quote that goes something like this, "My life can be described in one sentence: It didn't go as planned, and that's okay"!  That quote needs to be adjusted FOR ME to say "It didn't go as "I" planned: and that's okay"!  GOD has a Plan to grow me into a vessel HE can be glorified in, and that MAY involve difficult times!  As a matter of fact, I am to "COUNT IT ALL JOY" when those difficult times come!  So get ready, they WILL come, and I will "COUNT IT ALL JOY"!!!