SPEAKER_00: If someone hasn't already said it to you today, you are loved.
SPEAKER_00: You are seen.
SPEAKER_00: The trials that you are facing, the pain that you may be experiencing right now, it's hard and it's real.
SPEAKER_00: As we begin our time of prayer today, I simply want to remind you that just as the pain is real, so too is the love, care, and deep concern of your Heavenly Father.
SPEAKER_00: He wants to remind you of his joy.
SPEAKER_00: Remember this.
SPEAKER_00: Joy doesn't deny that pain exists.
SPEAKER_00: Rather, it declares trust in God.
SPEAKER_00: Even trials can become places where faith grows and joy is refined.
SPEAKER_00: James 1, 2 and 3 says, consider it pure joy.
SPEAKER_00: Whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
SPEAKER_00: Take 20 seconds to thank God that He is growing you, even through trials that feel uncomfortable or confusing.
SPEAKER_00: When we face hard things in life, they can be awe-consuming.
SPEAKER_00: Our vision for the future can get blurred, and tunnel vision can set in.
SPEAKER_00: Let's take a moment and step outside of our circumstance.
SPEAKER_00: Lift our eyes up and ask God what he is doing.
SPEAKER_00: Take 30 seconds and ask God to help you see hardship through his perspective.
SPEAKER_00: Invite him to grow perseverance and joy in your heart, even though it may seem distant.
SPEAKER_00: We trust you and choose joy.
SPEAKER_00: Amen.