Today’s Bible Verse

My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up in you the power of endurance. And then as your endurance grows even stronger, it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.

James 1:2-4 (TPT)

PRIVILEDGED

So how are you doing? Have you found yourself backed up against a wall? Found yourself being attacked on every side? How about your past being thrown in your face? If you have found yourself dealing with some difficulties, some testing, or challenges, or presently feel surrounded…be encouraged! You are not alone! And you are definitely equipped to get through it! James tells us to see it as an opportunity to experience joy…well, actually, he said to see it as, “an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can!!”

This kind of “encouragement” or “advice” would be considered odd, to most, but to us, as disciples of Jesus, it is sound advice and privilege! To know that when and where most would give up and blame others, their circumstances, or even God, we are encouraged to “see” difficulties through different lenses — lenses of faith…for opportunity, maturity and growth.

So let’s look a little deeper at three specific words from this scripture: invaluable, opportunity and experience. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines invaluable as: extremely valuable, useful and/or informative advice. It also defines opportunity as: a favorable juncture of circumstances, and a good chance for advancement or progress. And lastly, it defines experience as: to learn by; the process of doing and seeing things and of having things happen to you.

With that new understanding, we could be encouraged that every challenge, is a favorable learning moment with possibilities for advancement and/or progress! That’s pretty awesome! What the enemy means for evil, God purposes for good! Romans 8:28, in the Amplified translation reads, “and we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” (Pastor Teresa Moreno, Changing Pointe Church)

Change My Story

So, be encouraged when you are going through, or feel surrounded by difficulty! God is deeply concerned about you and He loves you! He causes all things to work together for good! He’s got a plan! He’s got you! Focus on Him. Talk to Him. Declare His promises over your life and circumstances. Seek to hear His voice and get your directives from Him, in faith! Remember, you are going through, not pitching up a tent to stay where you are. 

Action Steps:

Take the time to intentionally step back, away from the chaos, and look at the situation with your spiritual lenses. Pray and ask God to show you what lesson(s) you are to learn. Be vulnerable. Be sensitive. Be aware of His presence. Be willing and surrendered in these moments to be refined and strengthened for the next season He’s preparing you to walk in to!

Thank Him for the privilege to walk out your faith, to stir up the power of endurance within you and that you get to shout with great joy because He’s with you, through it all — always!

Today’s Declaration

I stay the course, run with endurance, and keep my eyes on Jesus! I seek His will above my own because I love Jesus and desire to honor and obey Him. I surrender my life and live passionately, burn brightly, and walk courageously because Jesus is with me, always!

Today’s Bible Reading

Our Bible Reading Plan gives 25 daily readings per month. There is no scheduled reading for today. You can use this time to catch up on any readings you may have missed, or read through previous passages again.