“My brothers and sisters, you will face all kinds of trouble. When you do, THINK OF IT AS PURE JOY. Your faith will be put to the test. You know that when that happens it will produce in you THE STRENGTH TO CONTINUE. The strength to keep going must be allowed to finish its work. Then YOU WILL BE ALL YOU SHOULD BE. You will have everything you need.” (Jam. 1:2-4)
According to this scripture in order for us to have all we need along with the strength to finish our course, we will face persecution and are told to consider it “pure joy”; With this understanding:
“…all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus WILL BE PERSECUTED…” (2 Tim. 3:12)
Joseph had a dream showing how God would use him and went through 17 years severely suffering trials before the dream came true.
David faced a lion, bear and the giant Goliath before he was anointed as king.
Job suffered great trials losing all he had including his children and said: “Though he [God] slay me, I will hope in him…” (Job 13:15).
Then the followers of Jesus: “…they called in the apostles, THEY BEAT THEM AND CHARGED THEM NOT TO SPEAK IN THE NAME OF JESUS…Then they left…REJOICING THAT THEY WERE COUNTED WORTHY TO SUFFER dishonor for the name.” (Acts 5:40-41)
This is why Jesus said: “Blessed are those WHO ARE PERSECUTED because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5:10)
INDEED, THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH…
-Bill Stockham