Scripture:
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” James 1:2

There are seasons when life does not make sense. You pray, yet the situation persists. You do your best, yet things seem to move in the opposite direction. James does not tell us to pretend that trials are enjoyable. He tells us to count them as joy.This means joy is not determined by what is happening around you, but by what you know within you.

The word “count” speaks of making a deliberate assessment. In other words, James is saying, “Look at this situation again. Don’t judge it only by what you can see. Consider what God can produce through it.” Your trial may be painful, but it does not have to be pointless. God can use difficult seasons to strengthen your faith, deepen your character and prepare you for what is ahead.

You may not be able to choose your circumstances, but you can choose your response to them. Have you ever wondered if the thing you are asking God to remove is also the thing He is using to develop you?

I Declare: I will not allow my circumstances to steal my joy. I choose faith over fear and joy over despair.

Ignite Quote:You may not choose the trial, but you can choose the attitude with which you walk through it.