Consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. (James 1:2-3)

The letter from St. James is not that often quoted but I love them. In my times of trouble I had found many inspirations from St. James’ letters because it is like a challenge a taunt and a question of my faith.

When I first stepped into church there is this hymn called Yes I Thank you Lord that captured my heart.

It talks about thank God for the trials that come our way. I will definitely broke down after a verse or two because it was through life tribulations that I turned to Christ. So when the hymn was sung I know that God knows of my heartaches and God is there to hold me up when I fell.

But like I said it is not easy to accept one’s life hardship as a joy. It takes a lot of perseverance to keep going and going without losing the faith. However now when I look back I will not trade those hardships for anything. I will not ask for fast-forward skip some chapters and go right to the next happy show kinda thing.

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For example I had openly told many people that anytime I will accept God’s gift of my son Vincent. Never mind that I know he will die and he will suffer. Never mind that I had to suffer along with him. Because without his birth and the trials I went through caring for him and the pain of losing him I wouldn’t be aware of the other sides of me.

Life used to be work money achievements properties holidays making more money and the circle goes on. Now life to me is doing God’s will. So we many not be able to see the joy of life troubles right now right here. But with time and perseverances we will one day look back and thank God for the trials He trusted on our shoulders.

As Christians we have to be aware that someone has to carry these burdens and God has chosen us because He knows us best. He trusted us to pull through because He created us and will watch over us while we slogged on. When the going gets tough turn to Jesus and remember His words “Do not be afraid.” ‘Joy in life’s troubles?’ Life used to be work money achievements properties holidays making more money and the circle goes on. Now life to me is doing God’s will.