There is Joy in His Strength

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)
      Passage: Nehemiah 8:7-17

       Becoming a good athlete requires physical conditioning along with practice for skills needed in any particular sport. An old athlete’s adage says, “No pain. No gain.” In order to run faster, jump higher, and get stronger, an athlete has to go through the process of training that includes lifting weights and running. Some athletes say they really enjoy practicing. I was not one of them (that’s probably why I didn’t get to a higher level of competition.😊), but I did recognize that practice and conditioning was essential to becoming better in a sport.
      The trials and obstacles you face in life are not things that you set out to do in advance, but they are the things that God uses to help develop you into a strong, mature follower of Christ. James tells us to think about those things as joy, not because they are pleasurable to go through, but because of the strength they produce. Nehemiah told God’s people that “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Whatever circumstances you experience, let His joy strengthen you to be a distinct witness for Christ.

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)