"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." - James 1:2-4 NLT

In a Jacksonville Jaguars press conference after returning to the start ing lineup, Quarterback Nick Foles said, “At the end of the day, it’s like, ‘God, if this is the journey You want me to go on, I’m going to glorify You in every action, good or bad.’ I still could have joy in an injury.” Foles was out of the lineup due to a broken left clavicle that he suffered in week one vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. He could have easily given up or been depressed especially after signing a huge free agent deal with the team the prior offseason. Foles was able to find his peace in Jesus Christ because his identity is in Jesus Christ. 

In this journey called “life,” we face struggles and difficulty. One thing that we should understand is that although we will be blessed as Christians, there will also be times when we will suffer and face persecution. During the difficult moments of life, we must endure, be patient, and trust God without complaining. Also, as we grow in our relationship with God, He will produce good fruit, one of which is joy through the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Timothy 2:12 reminds us that “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us.” In addition, God promised that “He will never leave us or forsake us” (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5) because He loves us.

Through the difficult moments of life whether if it is physical/financial issues, marital issues, emotional pain because of death to a loved one, dealing with depression, etc., you can always find faith, peace, hope, strength, and joy in Jesus Christ. It is so imperative that we draw close to God in prayer and through studying God’s word, not only during the difficult moments but in every aspect of life. In addition, put your faith in Jesus and He will help ease your pain. There are many times when God will allow things to occur in our lives so that we draw closer to Him, grow in Him, and so that He build character within us.

Through the ups and downs, we must praise God and be thankful not only for the closed doors/opportunities but also for the open ones. Remember that every opportunity isn’t from God. Seek God about His plans for your life and trust His timing. God ALWAYS knows best! Praising God and having faith in Him in those moments opens the door for God to work in your life and helps you grow as a Christian as a result.

When times are hard, we can endure

Philippians 4:6-7
 James 1:2-4
 James 4:8
 1 Peter 5:7
 1 Corinthians 15:58
 Galatians 6:9
 Matthew 11:28
 1 Peter 5:7