Joy in Trials

^"2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

This morning as I was driving home after dropping the kids off at school I heard this verse on the Christian radio station.

It made me stop and think. How do we view our trials? Do we think of them as burdens? Or do we consider trials joy? 

How many times do we hear (or even say) "this too shall pass"? I can't tell you how many times I have had people ask me (in reference to me getting breast cancer) "why you?". 

My challenge is to take James' words to heart and to really consider it pure joy, not just joy...but pure joy when we face trials. 
God has promised us in his word that he will not give us more than we can bear and that He will give us what we need to endure it.

"¹³ No temptation* has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted* beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,* he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it" 1 Corinthians 10:13 
*tempted is also translated as test/ed/ing

Not only will the trials we face strengthen our faith, produce perseverance and maturity but we will also see God's provisions as He gives us grace to endure them and then provide a way out. 

So whatever your trial may be: marriage problems, difficult children, health issues, job stress, out of work, etc just remember that God wants us to consider it joy and He will give His grace.