James confidently said, "Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort, or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience" (James 1:2, 3, AMP).

How is it possible to consider joy in the midst of piercing pain, physical or emotional? Often, during a time of pain, we begin to question God. Pain sorely tries our trust in His ability to turn its ugliness into anything worthy of His glory. How then can pain bring the endurance James talks about? How do we find our faith when our vision of God is so blurred by the onslaught of pain?

James had the direction of God when he wrote his words. They are not mere expectations, but divine promises. Yes, the pain that you are suffering now can be a cause for joy. It is God's unfailing promise that your trials will produce endurance, strength, and ultimately your perfection.

Even Jesus, in the pain of the cross, felt abandoned by His Heavenly Father. Jesus, the sacred Son of God, could have called ten thousand angels to His rescue, yet He committed Himself to His Father's will unto death. His reward was the joy of resurrection. Your promise is that same deliverance. Hold fast and receive joy in the midst of your trial, remembering that joy will turn your pain into the promise of your victory!

Dear Father, I count it all joy even in the midst of my trial of pain. Jesus' pain has purchased my victory. I accept this overcoming power and receive Your peace in mind and in body. I commit myself into Your loving arms knowing that even in pain You will give me rest. In Jesus' Name, Amen.