Connections that Count | February 23, 2021

Read 
James 1:2-4

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Reflect
1. How have the trials/testing changed you into a better person?

2. How can we choose to rejoice and have joy when the life we have now is not right?

Apply
Pull out your old journals and records from your past that provide historical insight about difficult times in your life. Now take a moment and notice how you are different as a believer in Jesus Christ having lived through those difficult times. If those memories bring joy to you now as you see them from a different perspective – say a prayer of Thanksgiving to God.

Pray
Lord Jesus, the trials of our lives can be the most influential tools in how we are shaped to look more like you. Even as we struggle through these different seasons of life we see you joining us in these difficult moments – if we take time to look and to notice who you have sent to encourage us along the way. Thank you, God for the good encouragements that you have sent. In Jesus name, Amen

Song
Lauren Daigle “Rescue“