#soap # James 01 ## Title: Thankful for Trouble ## Scripture: (James 1:2-3) “My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” (NET) ## Observation: This seems so counterintuitive because it is. I have only met a few people who would truly say this and mean it. Those I have heard say this have been people who have been through some of the most horrific things we can imagine. The reason they say it is because they have learned a truth that we could all benefit from knowing. There is a special trust you have in the Lord when you have been through the darkest of storms and see that God never leaves. There are some dark places where your friends cannot or will not go. There are some dark places where it seems as though all hope is lost and you will never see sunlight again. However, if you keep moving, you will see that the one who had been helping you all along was the Lord. This gives birth to a patient confidence that can only be earned. You realize there is always an end to every storm and that God will never leave. ## Application: Trust the Lord. The darker the storm, the easier it is to see His light. ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for always being there with us.