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Pure Joy

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”
James 1:2

God’s been preparing you since before you were born. He’s been preparing you to live a life pleasing to Him. It can be a struggle to stay focused on God in daily life. It’s hard to deny the tendencies pulling us away from God. Paul wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Paul talks about dying to ourselves and allowing Christ to live through us. Paul figured it out. This life is temporary. Nothing we experience will overshadow the glory of being united with God in heaven.

However, Paul knew it was a struggle to live a life set apart from the world. He lived in a time just as evil, corrupt, and self-serving as we do. His words still ring true to Christians today; flush out the bad and focus on the good things God does in your life. Continually renew and recharge your batteries on the free power that comes only from God.

God wants to make you complete in Him. Allow Him to teach you through your experiences on this journey and be willing to share with others who need encouragement.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, as I face the trials of this day I know that You are with me. Because of this promise I know that I can stand firm in the faith You have planted within me. Help me to learn from my successes and failures the lessons you are teaching me. Empower me with Your Holy Spirit to consider it pure joy when I face the many trials that I will experience and may I bring You glory through my thoughts, words and deeds. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen