SPEAKER_00: Today, we're going to read a passage of scripture that feels very countercultural, combining the concepts of joy and trials.
SPEAKER_00: Listen to what James 1, 2 through 4 says.
SPEAKER_00: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
SPEAKER_00: Let the perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
SPEAKER_00: As we consider these words, notice the end result that James points out.
SPEAKER_00: You will not lack anything.
SPEAKER_00: True joy is found when we understand the gifts that God gives us.
SPEAKER_00: Out of his abundance, he gives us deeper gifts the world simply cannot offer.
SPEAKER_00: Let's spend time in prayer as we reorient our perspective around trials in life.
SPEAKER_00: Take a moment to thank God that He is at work even in your trials.
SPEAKER_00: Is there a trial you have only viewed as an obstacle instead of an opportunity for growth?
SPEAKER_00: Talk to God about that right now.
SPEAKER_00: Amen.