‘Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. ‘ James 1:2 NLT

I once heard a preacher say, the true evidence of faith is seen when the devil is chasing you down. I couldn`t agree more. It’s not your hands lifted in worship or your speckless church attendance. It’s right there when everything is not going right, or at least the way you expect it to. What do you do when you have just lost your job, a loved one, or a business? Maybe you have been betrayed. What do you do when your health seems to be stopping you from doing all that you are supposed to do? When you are facing a lawsuit or drowning in debt? Is God really expecting you to consider yourself fortunate amidst all that you are going through? Let me share my story with you.

At the beginning of 2020, God gave me Proverbs 3:5-6 (scripture from Wednesday’s encouragement) as my foundational scripture. It didn’t make sense until COVID 19 hit and my work contract was terminated when I least expected it. Yes, I had been brooding over leaving the 9-5 cycle for a very long time and it was about time. I had tried this many times now and something just did not seem to add up. Again I was full circle to this very same place I was a year ago. Although God had given me a heads up about not staying too long at this particular job, for some reason I wanted to be in control of when I’d actually leave. Man, did that make me endure! I had delayed on my journey and this time God brought me out of frustration into a place of joy, fulfillment, and peace.

Your story might not be anything like mine, or it could sound like someone replaying what the year so far has been like for you to date. Remember Joseph, whom God had spoken to but ended up in prison, or David, who God anointed King, and was being pursued by Saul to be killed. Anyone who looked at their lives never would have predicted that things would completely turn around for them. But God’s plans were greater than what any man could see. This applies to you too. Whatever you have gone through or are going through, God is working it together for your good. Endure in this season as you take advantage of where you are today. Stay there just a little longer and look for opportunities in your favor. Your faith in God will bring you to a place of abundant joy!