Joyous Journey

A few weeks ago I had to make a two-hour round trip to a funeral. I knew, of course, the destination would be a time of sadness and tears. The trip there and back, however, was a joyful one as I shared it with a friend. James, the brother of Jesus, wrote, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.” (James 1:1). Certainly James knew how spiritually fruitful the trials are, James’ imperative refers to the state of joy in which Believers are to journey this life. “Count it all joy,” he says!  Joy will never be present in struggles if we play the blame-game or the poor-pitiful-me card. However, when we consider Jesus in Hebrews 12:2,  “Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross” - the model and example of spiritual endurance. Whatever is your struggle, whatever you are enduring right now, there is Joy for the journey: that Joy is Jesus. Believers do not journey alone or in places where He has already endured and conquered. Consider Jesus, and find Joy for the journey.