James 1:2-4 “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.Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
 
What is your typical response to a trial? Do you become frustrated, angry, or sad? That would be natural. But James tells us that there is a better way! He says that we should consider joy when we face a difficult situation. At first this may seem strange but consider the benefits:
 
1.    We can grow through difficult challenges. James says we become perseverant through trials in life. 
2.    It causes maturity. Think of the mature men in your life. How do they handle trials? 
3.    Joy helps us make better choices. If we don’t let our amygdala get triggered we can navigate difficult moments with great clarity. 
 
When we consider the alternate choices what is better than joy? If we choose anger when we face trials we will become isolated from others because no one wants to be close to a person who is full of anger and bitterness. If we run from trials we will never become the men God has created us to be! Are you facing a trial today? Do you see one on the horizon? Consider Joy! This could be your opportunity to grow closer to God and become the mature man God has created you to be.
 
God Bless,
Mike
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Joy