James 1:2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

     America was once called “The Land of Opportunity”. Life was not easy but out of extreme hardship, cruel times and hard work, this nation was established and became one of the strongest, greatest nations in the world. Our ancestors had no cell phones, video games or television but they did have vision and purpose. They came in leaky ships that took weeks to cross the perilous Atlantic ocean and we complain if we are stuck in traffic. Ministers of God’s word carved out churches in the wilderness leading strange people with a completely different language than anything they had ever heard. But they persevered with Gods mission to make disciples of all nations while going through horrendous trials and tribulations.

     So what do we do when we go through our struggles? Do we persevere? Do we consider it an opportunity for great joy? Do we take full advantage of the situation and look for what God is trying to achieve in our life through his great power and mercy? Or do we fall deep into the pit of despair?

     Paul said this in Philippians 2:5 You must have the same attitude of Christ and in Hebrews 12:2b the writer says because of joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Yes, there might be some shame, or what we consider shame anyway when you go through what you go through. But, remember Christ’s attitude? His was an attitude of great joy! Not because the whip tickled or the nails piercing His hands and feet felt good. No! He had great joy because of the end results! The saving of our souls.

     The Psalmist writes in 126:5 Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of JOY! Psalm 30:5b says weeping may last through the night but JOY comes in the morning. And finally in Psalm 30:11 the writer gives us this, You have turned my mourning into JOYFUL dancing, you have taken my clothes of mourning and clothed me with JOY. So if you are going through it remember this one thing. Psalm 37:23a The LORD directs the steps of the godly. If GOD leads you to It, he will lead you through it. With every step you take GOD is walking with you, you have to keep walking with HIM. Give your all to HIM and keep on following in HIS steps.