Joy, in Pain!

Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. JAMES 1:2‭-‬3 AMP

It is only God that can tell me to rejoice in suffering, and he will make it worthwhile. The human mind cannot process or accept this. It is natural to flee afflictions, avoid conflicts, run away from difficult situations, but for God, it appears these are his raw materials for the growth and development of the people he seeks to use.

I am asked go rejoice in trials. It is because there is a Power at work in those trials that will ensure that I am not overcome. If I am asked to rejoice in affliction, it is because the One who allowed them already knows how he will use them for my good. The 3 Hebrew men faced certain death, yet the depth of their conviction was deeper than the threats of an earthly king. Are my convictions also that deep? If a choice was to be made between certain death and compromise because of my faith, what would my response be?

The assurance is that these trials teach endurance, leading to spiritual maturity and inner peace. God's ways are definitely not man's ways; otherwise, how would difficulties produce such treasures, unless they are manipulated by the divine hands of the One whose purpose cannot be thwarted. In the midst of the most depressing experience, when Stephen was being stoned to death, God was preparing a certain Saul for an encounter with the God who can use anything for his purpose.

God's focus is on the inner man, not external comfort or convenience. God knows that if my inner man is not at peace, I cannot respond to his guidance and direction. The outer man is never at rest, because its pursuits are on the earthly and the ephemeral. God builds us up from the inside, so that when men come in contact with us, they experience the God who has worked on us. It has never been about us; it has always been about our lives been a living, shining testimony of what an encounter with God can produce.

Am I working with God or pursuing my own things? His time of favour is here.