COUNT IT ALL JOY:  WHY?
 
“…when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.”  James 1:2
 
It is natural to ask why one should be joyful in times of troubles.  Only in the Word of God can you find a reason to rejoice in tribulation.  We learn early that God’s eyes are upon us and that Satan must get permission from God to trouble us.  Once we understand why God would give Satan permission to attack believers, it becomes a challenge we can embrace.
 
Troubles can come from a variety of sources:  the enticement of temptation; standing for one’s faith in Jesus Christ, wrong decisions, and not obeying God.  Obeying God can also bring troubles when individuals reject their walk with God.
 
As children of God, the Lord will correct us when we are wrong, and bring about discipline, when needed.  When we resist God’s discipline, he punishes each one that is His child (Hebrew 12:5-6). Now let us look at the reasons we can have joy in hardship and tribulation.  God knows what trials can produce in believers who desire to walk in His path. 
  • God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation.  James 1:12
  • We will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.  James 1:12
  • Patience in suffering can bring about great honor.  Job had great endurance and the Lord was kind to him at the end.  James 5:10-11
  • Trials will show that your faith is genuine.  1 Peter 1:7a
  • When your faith remains strong through trials, it brings you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:7b
  • If you suffer physically for Christ, you have finished with sin.  1 Peter 4:1
  • Trials make you partners with Christ in His suffering, so that you will have a wonderful joy of seeing His glory when it is revealed to all the world. 2 Peter 4:13
  • Be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.  1 Peter 4:14 
In our culture, there is so much talk about being blessed.  Suffering for Christ Jesus is not taught today.  Yet, our trials cause us to react in a negative manner.  God wants us to know why He allows Satan to bring trials in our lives. 
 
CONSIDER TROUBLES AND TRIALS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR GREAT JOY!