Pure joy

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." James 1:2,3

Viewing the adverse weather conditions before the start of yesterday's Boston Marathon in a positive way, Sara Hall tweeted, "This weather definitely gives the Americans a leg up at #BostonMarathon. Whenever I’ve trained in E Africa, if it rains (even lightly), the runners wait it out to train, rarely train in it." And she was so right. Because of the less than ideal state of the atmosphere, Americans dominated the race with women nabbing seven of the top spots at the finish line, including first place with Desiree Linden becoming the first American to win the women's race since 1985, and men taking six of the top 10 spots. You could most definitely say that the wind and the rain were blessings from above. 

And you know, the Bible tells us that whenever you and I face trials, or situations that test our forbearance, that we are to "consider it pure joy" knowing that it "produces perseverance." You see, these runners could persevere, or continue in the face of difficulty, because they had trained themselves to... over and over and over. During their struggle to become good enough to represent their country at the most famous 26.2 mile race in the world, they didn't cower when the conditions outside were less than ideal. And although they might not have enjoyed training in the wind, cold and rain, you can bet they are joyous today that they did. 

So no matter what you and I may be going through right now, may we consider it "pure joy, my brothers and sisters" that God is using our trials to produce the determination and staying power we will need to stay faithful when the bigger storms of life come. And for that, today is a day for rejoicing. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that out of some of our greatest trials, come our greatest victories. Help us to be patient, trusting and cheerful during these times knowing that we will be better because of them. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Joy - Johnny Diaz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn_ZSR6QWYM