Embracing Difficulty in Faith

Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time.  

Reading: James 1:2–4

Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read.  
After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what you highlighted in the passage and what is going on in your life.

As we begin this journey, let’s reflect on the challenging truth that following Jesus isn’t always easy. James tells us to consider trials as joy—not because the pain is enjoyable, but because God uses it to shape us. Spiritual growth, like physical strength, comes through resistance. Today, reflect on a hardship you're facing. Could God be building endurance in you through it?

Now, take 10 minutes to seek God in prayer…  

1. Begin your time in prayer by taking 1-3 minutes to sit in silence (You can take longer if you sense the Spirit already beginning to speak to you).  
2. Pray through the things you sensed God speaking to you through the Scriptures or pray the following prayer: Ask God to help you see trials through His eyes and receive them as opportunities for growth.
   
3. Close by taking 5 minutes to sit in silence, asking God if there is anything else He wants to speak to you today.  

Take Action:

• Write down a trial you're currently facing and what it might be producing in you.
• Share that reflection with someone you trust and invite them to pray for your endurance.