By Ryan Kelly –

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” James 1:2-3

How often do you view a stressful or challenging situation as a joyful occasion? Normally we will not, but will rather pray that God will end the situation so that the “joy” may return. I certainly have been one to pray that the pain of a bad situaion will end quickly, and certainly don’t think that there is anything wrong in doing so.

However, what is more important is that we attempt to see God’s work in all areas of our life…good and bad. Bad situations are never fun, but they do not have to be exclusive of seeing joy in life. Rather, finding joy through the pain or difficulty is often the best way to glorify God.

How illogical is it to glorify God when everything seems to be going wrong? How much will the world see your faith by doing so? When you can find joy in Christ’s sacrifice for you even through the trials, it eases the pain and allows you to focus on the bigger picture of what is happening in the moment. Doing this takes practice, but the result is a wonderful thing. Focus on the bigger picture of what God is doing and what He has done for you. It will ease the pain and give God glory through the good times and the bad times.