How Trials Can Produce Joy!

James 1:1-4

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
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.

How Trials Can Produce Joy

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

Q: How can trials actually produce joy in your life?
 
One of my professors in college once said, "whatever you spend the most time looking at in your life, will eventually become your greatest priority." I found his words to be both a warning and a challenge. It was a warning to me that focusing on certain things that are not healthy can (and will) eventually consume my thoughts. It was also a challenge to place the priority of my thoughts on the One who loves me most. Keeping my eyes on Jesus has proven to be the most satisfying preoccupation in my entire life!

Our greatest priority is to keep our eyes on Jesus no matter what trials we are facing.

When Jesus was going to go through his greater earthy trial, heading to the cross to die for us, what was he picturing in his mind? What was his focus?

Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Did you catch that... "For the joy set before him..."

What was that joy? When Jesus looked beyond the pain of the cross he saw the faces of those he created and loved. He saw us. He saw you. He wanted to do whatever was necessary to remove the barrier that blocked the kind of life-giving relationship he could have with you. That was his joy... a restored relationship with the very ones he created in his image!
 
May you be consumed by His presence in your life this week!
 

NewDay September Outdoor Worship Services 
11 am in back of the YMCA
September 6 - Why We Need Trials
September 13 - How Trials Produce Joy
September 20 - The Power of Perseverance
September 27 - Moving from Comfort to Conviction

(Note: If actively raining, the outdoor worship service will be cancelled)