Joy Costs Pain

Our small group started going through the book of James on Sunday evenings. Sunday night we tackled James 1 and had some great conversation.

A few verses that we talked about were James 1:2-4 and verse 12. God attaches the level of our pain and trials with a deepening of our faith. He even says to Consider it pure JOY! Doesn't that seem odd?

I read a quote by Donald Miller that said "People love to have lived a great story, but few people like the work it takes to make it happen. But joy costs pain."

It is exactly what Jesus went through as Hebrews 12:2 says: "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

It isn't ironic that the One (Jesus) who experienced the most horrific type of death now is experiencing the highest honor and joy. Obviously, Jesus is perfect but it was through the pain of the cross that now He is exalted to the highest place (Philippians 2:5-11).

I have heard it said "that for someone to be used greatly they must be broken greatly first."

No matter what you are going through remember that joy costs pain. God may be preparing you for something you can't even begin to fathom yet.

James 1:12 - "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."