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“Joyful Opportunity in Tough Times”
Categories: Minister's Corner“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” (James 1:2)
What a timely verse! This pandemic has a lot of us worried. Worried about many things like getting the virus, losing a job, not being able to pay bills, or the impact it is having on family, friends, and our
community. Legitimate concerns are normal, rational, and understandable.
James reminds Christians that there is a great opportunity for joy while going through difficult times. The normal response to trouble is not joy. The brother of our Lord says that we are to go against the natural response (worry) and instead be full of joy.
Consider for a moment how the Lord asks His disciples to offer similar responses to life's challenges. We must go the second mile when everyone around us is walking only one (Matthew 5:38-42). We are to love when others hate and persecute us (Matthew 5:43-48). We are to focus on heavenly treasures when everyone around us is focusing on earthly treasures (Matthew 6:19-21). We shouldn't worry when everyone is worrying (Matthew 6:25-34). We are to walk the narrow way with the Lord even when friends and family are walking in a different direction (Matthew 7:13-14).
Allow this current moment in time to be an opportunity for greater joy to be seen in your life. It’s what sets us apart from the rest of the world. Develop greater faith and trust in God. God hasn't changed in the middle of these trying times. He remains faithful, merciful, gracious, and generous in the good days and in the bad days.
In the words of Corrie Ten Boom, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”
Continue to shine bright, family!!
“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
