(2)Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, (3)because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. (4)Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Joy??? I’m supposed to be joyful about everything I’m going through? Lately I have been struggling with health issues, and they just continue to get worse. I can deal with the pain, and sickness, but now something is affecting my eye causing me to lose sight. I’m supposed to be joyful about all of this? I feel more like Job who begged God to take his life! I broke down last night because I don’t know how much more I can take!!
My best friend has encouraged me not to dwell on the first part of this passage. Although this is happening, and it is REALLY testing what little faith I have left, this is supposedly what needs to be done to develop perseverance. The dictionary defines perseverance as the continuance in a state of Grace to the end…
My Prayer~
Lord, please help me to continue in Your Grace so that I may be made mature and complete. Please allow my trials to be a blessing to others that may have to endure the same. I thank you in advance for the Grace you have provided to see this to the end!!
