Smile through the trial

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” James 1:2,3 NKJV

In a timely article titled "The Running Gear and Health Products We Tested in June 2022" published by Runner's World on Monday, the following was said: To help you find the best shoes, apparel, and gear, the Runner's World gear team is constantly testing the newest products on roads and trails. We can’t lie, it’s a fun part of our jobs. As dedicated runners, we have plenty of products that have become part of our daily runs and race-training routines. But we also get access to the newest gear, food, and clothing that find their way into our gym bags, home gyms, and get used in our everyday running routines. Those are the types of products you’ll find here in Things We’re Testing. The various editors went on to share some of the things they personally tested--from sunglasses and sports bras to socks and shorts--and the reason they found the products worthy of recommending. 

And you know, when it comes to constant testing, the Bible tells us to “count it all joy” when we “fall into various trials...” Why? Because the testing of our faith produces patience. The word patience here though doesn’t describe a passive waiting but an active endurance. You see, patience (as it's used here) isn’t so much the quality that helps us sit quietly in the doctor’s waiting room, but the one that stirs us up to complete a marathon or persevere under extreme trial. Trials can be joyful things then, especially when we remember that the testing of our faith reveals the strength and quality of our belief in God so that it will not only be evident to ourselves but to those around us... something that has the power to inspire "those" to follow Jesus.  

So, smile and rejoice when you’re going through trials my friend, no matter how hard they might be. Doing so will not only give you the faith that will enable you to stand firm through every adversity, hardship, setback, affliction or problem that you will face, but will inspire fellow believers to develop the same steadfast trust and complete confidence in God for themselves. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for being with us as we go through the troubles and suffering sin brought into the world. Help us to rejoice when we face adverse conditions Lord, knowing that there is always a greater purpose for all that we are called to endure. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!