Joy in the Trial

Hard Roads Can Grow Holy Roots

 James 1:2–4 (ESV)

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness…”

 Devotional

Joy isn’t the absence of pain—it’s the presence of purpose.

Trials don’t mean God is absent. They mean God is refining.

He’s producing something deeper than comfort—He’s growing steadfastness, maturity, fire.

So don’t just try to escape the trial. Ask, “What is God producing in me through it?”

 Takeaway of the Day

• “Count it all joy…” – What would change if you saw your trial as training?

• “Testing… produces steadfastness…” – What is God shaping in you through difficulty?

• “Let steadfastness have its full effect…” – Are you letting the trial grow you—or just surviving it?

 Prayer

God, help me trust You in the trial. Let joy rise even in the hard places, because I know You’re working. Grow me deeper, stronger, and closer to You. Amen.