Consider it pure joy......

James 1:2
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds...

Recently I was faced with a situation that caused me much anguish. I immediately found myself with a small ball of nerves tied up in my stomache. My mind raced with all of the potential negative results this situation created. "How will this turn out"? I asked myself. "What can I do"? Then I proceeded to outline every possible scenario from every possible perspective that this situation would lead to. I tried listening to Sports radio to get my mind off my trial. Well, that brought temporary relief- about 10 minutes worth. Next, I decided to rely on my good friend "worry". He had been a faithful companion for much of my life. Then, our Lord broke through my nonsense and whispered James 1:2 to me. I cracked open my Bible and read the entire passage in context. I fell down on my knees and literally cried out to my Holy Father to assure me that He was in control of EVERYTHING. I openly practiced my theology. I lived it out. I remember being told by Timothy ( or was it Peter?) that everything pertaining to life and godliness has already been granted by God to His children. I found this "issue" fading into the background as I honestly considered it "pure joy" that I was suffering for Christ sake. I rejoiced in knowing my Father in Heaven is running the show and that I would endure for His glory and my good. Praise the Lord!