Journal 1999 ds
1999, May 21 Persevering toward pure joy.
God sets pure joy before us. Describes the process. And promises his help and unqualified support along the way.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him (James 1:2-5 NIV).
Where do we find pure joy? In our maturity and completeness in Christ.
What is the process? Having our lives disrupted through trials, which tests our faith, which develops perseverance, which brings us to maturity and completeness not lacking anything.
What help does God promise? He promises to generously give his wisdom along the way. If we ask, he will give us the skill and ability to complete our course. He will support us during the process without finding fault.
Pure joy: The key is learning, knowing, remembering and continuing to learn where pure joy is found.
Process: The key is accepting God’s disruptive plan, letting go of our agendas, continuing toward our goal. Our pride will suffer irreparable damage; humility must replace it.
Promise: The key is that God promises to support us generously and without criticism. God knows the struggle, we must trust him without wavering for wisdom to complete the course.
