Finding Joy Despite Trials

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.

James 1:2–3

Life can be hard sometimes. Whatever you are going through, God knows. He sees. He cares. And He is more than willing and able to help you through!

With God, we are overcomers! Here's a short prayer for today:

"Lord, it’s hard for me to think that something good can come from these challenges. Yet, despite my circumstances, you lift me up to a place of joy! Joy in my trials? Only you can make it happen. You, who shines your love like light into my gray, cloudy heart. Thank you. In times of testing, temptation or total disarray, I need your persevering power. I believe that together we will make it through. In Jesus’s name. Amen."

May today be the day of your breakthrough! Keep on believing. Your day will come.

 

Standing Strong in Tough Times

Life can be hard at times. Maybe your kids are screaming, and they just won't seem to settle down. Or, you can’t find a job—and you’ve been out of work for months. Could it be that someone you love just left you and you're brokenhearted? Do you have an illness or injury? Or, an ache in your heart wondering if you are dating or just friends with someone you care about?

 

Whatever the situation, you can find HOPE despite your circumstances.

 

To stand strong in challenging times, we need a solid foundation. When we ask, God will build support into our lives so that when the winds of change and challenge blow we won’t topple like the fragile houses of the three little pigs.

 

We will stand strong.

 

Consider what happens when builders construct a skyscraper. In order for the building to be tall and not tumble, the workers first dig a foundation and then pound steel reinforcing rods called pylons deep into the earth. Concrete is then poured into the shaft with the pylons for a super-strong hold.

The same can be true in your life.

As you grow deeper, you grow stronger in your faith. As you immerse yourself in the ways and wisdom of God, the truth (like pylons of hope, trust, courage, and faith), helps you become stronger.

So when your life is spiraling downward or you’re overcome with loneliness, you will be able to withstand more readily the gale-force winds of hard times and pain.

Steel upon steel, story upon story, a structure is built. Likewise, God’s Word tells us that hope comes step by step as “…suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Rom. 5:3–4).

Press in to God’s strength and He will help you do what you cannot do on your own. There is hope ahead. And we’re on the way to finding it.

For more about finding hope in hard times,

see Powerful Prayers for Challenging Times (Revell/Baker Publishing Group) by Jackie M. Johnson

Holy Tenacity: Hope When Life Is Hard

When life is hard....when times are tough...when you don't know what to do about your job, health, career, friends, family or spouse...

Press On.

Perseverance takes courage. Believe that God is who He says He is: loving, mighty, powerful, and willing to meet your needs when you come to Him. When the road is long and life seems impossible, remember that God hears your prayers; He sees your tears. God is with you always, and He is at work in your life.

There are still purposes to be fulfilled—lives to touch, things to accomplish, and character to be formed on the inside. 

Press on, pray on, with holy tenacity, holding on to hope that one day—maybe soon—the check will come, the job will be yours, or the house will be filled with a child’s laughter.

Whatever it is you long for, tell God your heart’s desires and He will answer.

Whether it’s a “yes,” “no,”or “wait,” know that the One who loves you most is working all things together for His good purposes. We may not always understand or like it, but we can know with certainty that one day everything will be made right.

Today, we pray and trust Him.

Excerpted from PowerfulPrayersfor Challenging Times by Jackie M. Johnson