Count it all joy when you face trials.

It’s amazing at how we get so surprised when we encounter hardships. We know they’re going to come – and we know that they will be painful, yet it still catches us off guard.

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James the brother of our Lord says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4 (NKJV)

There’s an old saying, “Patience is a virtue.”  There is a lot of truth in that statement. Yet when our faith is put to the test the question I ask is, “Are we going to overcome – or are we going to break down and give up on our life?” I’ve known too many people, when the going get tough they give up and give in to their circumstances – instead of relying on the Word of God to give them the faith and patience to persevere.

Because of the economic time we’re living in – it is even more important to put our faith and trust in God. When the storms of life rose against the Disciples in Luke [8:22]-25, they were terrified and cried out to the Master – “We’re going to DIE!” Jesus was sound asleep – for His word said they were going to the other side. They stopped believing in the word and began giving into the fear of death.

Here are three reasons why we should be looking forward not backwards.

Fear holds you back.

In today’s fast-paced, social and media engaged culture, we are driven by fear. It’s all around us. It doesn’t matter what side of the political, race or sexual-orientation aisle you are, each side is using fear tactics to drive their message.

Fear is something that will always hold you back from accomplishing that which you’re called to do. Believe it long enough and it will mold, shape and define who you are. If you truly want to be successful don’t allow fear to dictate what you believe and why you believe it.

Bad things will always happen, but we don’t have to let it control and manipulate our life situations.

Faith moves you forward.

Fear is the opposite of faith. That means the reverse is also as powerful. If you’ve seen the TV show Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., you’ve seen Skye move mountains with her power. The same is true for you and me. When we begin to place our mindset on things above–not focusing on our current predicament–we can change our emotional state.

It takes willpower and faith to move mountains. It takes courage to see what the future has in-store. But if you don’t take the time to see beyond the trials and tribulations you’re facing, you won’t be moving forward. In-fact, you’ll be moving backwards.

Faith gives clarity to see the future and keep your feet moving forward.

Joy gives you strength.

In the moment you find your footing in your faith, you not only have clarity you have joy, but strength is imparted to you. Joy gives you the foresight to look beyond and see change. It allows you to count every blessing God’s given you.

I encourage you, in this time, to place and continue to place your trust in the Lord. Prov. 3:5-6. Because it is in this placing of trust that the Word of God begins to take root and all of a sudden our faith is stronger and we are calm in the midst of the storm of life.

We don’t know or have the answer to why we are going through what we are – but God says to count it all Joy, that the testing of our faith may produce patience. And when we are secure in patience that is when we can learn to rest upon His word for our “ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 (NLT)

[reminder]What holds you back from having joy in hard times?[/reminder]