Audio Version
Devotional Text
James 1:2-4 – “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
Imagine being diagnosed with a terminal disease and hearing someone tell you to count it all joy. Your first instinct might be to react in anger or frustration, perhaps even throw a punch at the person. But the truth is, being joyful in such a moment is exactly how God wants you to respond. Our opening scripture encourages us to find joy even in the midst of trials, because they serve a greater purpose in our walk with God. This does not mean ignoring the pain or pretending difficulties do not exist; rather, it is about trusting that God is at work, using every challenge to build your faith, develop patience in you, and bring about His perfect will.
Joy is not the absence of problems; it is the deep confidence that God is working all things together for your good, no matter how difficult the situation may seem (Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 4:17). As a child of God, trials will surely come, but they are temporary, and never intended to end your life. When you choose joy over despair, you demonstrate trust in God’s purposes and plans, knowing that He will bring you through stronger and better (Nehemiah 8:10).
No matter what you are going through today, refuse to let anything steal your joy. Keep your focus on God, rejoice in His goodness, and trust in His perfect plan for your life. As you do these, you will find strength to endure, and persevere through it all. Glory to God!
START UP PRAYER
Father, in the name of Jesus, help me to be joyful in trying times, let my faith and trust in You be unchanging even in my darkest moments, I refuse to allow frustration and impatience in my life, in Jesus’ name.
PRAYER FOR A NATION
CHAD
The nation has been ripped apart by civil war, and 80% of the population lives below the poverty line. The Government, as is common in Africa, is known for its high levels of corruption. A Muslim minority group, the Zaghawa, control the majority of the government, trade, and armed forces. Chad has been torn apart as a nation and as a Church. Unification and reconciliation are desperately needed.
PRAYER FOR THE NATION
Father, we ask that the eyes of the believers of this land would be flooded with revelation and that they will know the hopeof which they have been called and the power that raised Jesus from the dead in Jesus name.
PRAYER FOR THE LEADERS
Father, as believers we lay at the root of this government, an axe and cut off and dismantle every corrupt practice lingering amongst the leaders, and we ask that you will cause the leaders to recognize their need for you as the ruler of all the earth in Jesus name.
PRAYER FOR ISRAEL
Father, we pray that the secular Jews in this land will be reminded that You have not forsaken them in spite of the war, but that You are faithful and will keep Your covenant to them in Jesus name.
PRAYER FOR UNITY IN THE CHURCH
Father, in the name of Jesus, we ask for grace to prioritize discipleship and to actively participate in the study of God’s Word, personally and corporately in Jesus Name.
PRAYER FOR SOULS / REVIVAL
Father, in the name of Jesus, we pray that the devil’s power over every unsaved soul will be broken so that they can realize that the systems of the world only end in the world in Jesus Name.
STUDY THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
-Numbers 12 & 13
– Psalm 65
– Luke 20
