Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1: 2-4
Are you facing a trial right now? Do you feel like despair has become your dancing partner – always there and constantly stepping on your toes?
Once you realize that despair is an enemy operative that you have allowed in your life, you will be ready to walk in the truth of this scripture. Human effort cannot oust this obstinate brute, but living by the Word allows God’s power to work through you to shove him right out the door of your life!
Count it all joy! Rejoice always! Again I say rejoice! This is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament. But how can I do that when I feel so over-burdened?
Step #1 Remember at all times that the Word if God is true and you are choosing to walk in truth, not your circumstances.
Step #2 Renew your mind in this verse until the understanding comes that every trial you go through is moving you through the maturing process. I don’t know about you, but I want to be mature in God. Yet the maturing process of anything requires perseverance through rough stuff. Do you recall your teen-age years? It was the tougher moments that really caused you to grow up, wasn’t it? Similarly, you are growing up in the Kingdom of God and you can literally rejoice when the trials come, because you know through God’s promise in this scripture, that on the other side of this trial, you will be farther ahead in the “growing-up” process.
Step #3 Do not wait until you feel “rejoiceful” before you start rejoicing. Living the truth of God is not based on your feelings. It is based on His truth. So, even if you feel despair, open your mouth and, with determination, start rejoicing. Count it as joy. And you will find that obedience to that Word – doing it even when it the struggle is overwhelming – will open a door for God’s power to work through you to kick that demon of despair right out of your life.
Step #4 Don’t give up. Despair is no gentleman. You must continue to stand with the Word of God, obeying it by rejoicing in your trial until this spiritual truth permeates through to your natural life.
Scripture of the week is designed to assist you in renewing your mind through the Word of God. We choose a scripture and include a short message pertaining to the verses so that you can meditate on them for the week. Please do not read it once and move on. Print it out and read it over and over during the week so that your mind can be reprogrammed (Romans 12:2) in the supernatural Word of God!
Very Good.