Today's Passage: James 1

Faith is a spiritual muscle that needs to be exercised regularly, both for strength and endurance. This is the essence of the first part of today's passage, where James encourages believers to count it all joy when we face trials and tribulations.

Depending on where we are in a trial or tribulation, that can be a challenge. I can't help but think of an old FarSide® cartoon where a man is pushing a wheelbarrow along in Hell, whistling a happy tune. The demons behind him are saying to each other, "He doesn't know where he is."  Though joy in tribulation isn't blissful ignorance but a conscious decision to choose joy, the idea of not letting the situation overcome us is there.  

It is a tremendous comfort to know He will never forsake us, no matter what our trial. If we endure faithfully we are being made perfect. Our witness has little impact when everything is going well. But when we can "stand the heat" and keep our joy, Christ is glorified.

May you be perfected in your weakness today and shine for Him, lacking nothing.