The Golden Nugget: Our difficulties in life are not wasted; they can be gateways to true joy.

Weekly Verse: “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

Weekly Message: 
As long as you breathe, you can be certain life will “gift” you with difficulties along the way. It is simple truth—people will let you down, disappoint you, abandon you. For the most part it’s unintentional, but that doesn’t make it easy. When it’s intentional, well, that just feels like a personal attack, doesn’t it?

God, on the other hand, does not let you down. If you can believe that, you will understand how a life in which God is invited to participate is different than a blindly optimistic attitude. A life with God is not surprised by difficulties. The response to tough times is wholeheartedly different when the divine is on your team. Facing life’s issues with faith changes your perspective. The issues are not as big and they are never final. 

A life with God shows us that there is something greater, more powerful, and with a grander outcome. Such understanding introduces you to unspeakable joy, even when life gets hard. Enter into true joy. God desires to embrace you with it.

Consider This:

• Can you recall a season of joy in your life? What was it like and why do you think you were living it?
• What takes away your joy? Can you do anything about whatever it is?

Take Action:
You don’t have to experience life’s difficulties by yourself. Ask God to help you through the issue that is most pressing at this moment.