Joel Osteen Devotional September 23 2020 – Count it All Joy

James 1:2–3, NKJV

Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

We’d love to not have any pain, suffering, bad breaks, betrayals, or loss, but that’s not reality. Difficulties will come, and pain is a part of life, so keep the right perspective: there is purpose in your pain. If everything were always easy, we wouldn’t be prepared for our destiny. In the tough, dark times, God is getting you prepared. He knows exactly what you need and when you need it. Every struggle is making you stronger. Every difficulty is growing you up. You may not like it, but every painful season is developing something in you that can be developed only in the tough times. That difficulty is an opportunity to develop character, to gain a greater trust in God. If God allowed it, He knows how to bring good out of it. Don’t just go through it; grow through it and keep a good attitude. Count it all joy, knowing that this pain is going to lead to your gain.

“Father, thank You that there is a purpose in the pain I experience whether I understand it or not. Thank You that You are preparing me and making me stronger and growing me up. I declare that I will count it all joy and overcome whatever I face. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”