By no means, especially during the holiday season, would we want pain and hardship to be a part of our story. Honestly, there's no time of year more poignant than Christmas to experience these feelings. There is no plan or purpose that Christ can present to us during this time of year for us to willingly subscribe to problems, trials, or pain.

However, the more we walk with Jesus, the more we realize that we cannot choose what we would or would not like to include in our life story, because that attitude distances us from the purposes that God wants to reveal to us. If this seems like a difficult "pill" to swallow in the midst of difficulties, James instructs us to know who to trust in the most difficult of times. It's not pleasant to read at first, but as we peer beneath the surface of his words, we can better hold on to the truth, rather than run away from our situation.

How can we apply James’ words from today’s passage when we suffer from permanent pain and discomfort?

The key is to recognize that James is not telling us to "feel joy," but to carefully consider where we can see joy welling up in the midst of our pain and discomfort. The level of your joy rises and falls to the level of your belief that we can trust God, even when we don't understand our circumstances.

Today, choose joy. Invite God to be God in your hope and in your wounds. Don't let the enemy rob you of your joy and reject the temptation to run outward for temporary satisfaction. There is no problem this Christmas that is greater than our God. He will make sure that you are under his care, and he will never leave you or abandon you. The secret of joy is always a matter of focus, that is, a firm focus on our Heavenly Father and not on your fears. Joy is not something you must achieve, but it will be given to you. You must simply seek it at the source of our eternal joy, Jesus!

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that in the midst of pain and suffering, your hand has not let go of me. I know that every circumstance I have experienced is part of Your purpose. Fill me with Your joy and peace, so that this Christmas I may recognize that You are greater than any problem I may face. My focus is solely on you. In Jesus' loving name, Amen.

1.    James 1:2-4 (NIV).

Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.