Unrecognizable Joy

This older-me fails to recognize people at times; perhaps because of my failing eyes or just simply that I haven't seen that person in such a long time. Whatever the case, it seems to happen more often than I like! How many things in life do you recognize as ... joy? Of course, we can name-off lots of things we count as joy but the list does have a limit. Scripture, however, extends the joy-list. James 1:2 says, "consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials." Now, troubles don't usually fall into the joy-category yet ... well, read it again. I know, I get it too - we're not feeling it, not seeing it at all ... those joyful troubles. So, why are we commanded to consider our trials as joy? James continues, "Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (V.3-4). God is working in us through the difficult times to produce something Godly in us - a steadfastness which comes only when we endure and persevere through the trials of life - much like an athlete presses and pushes through strenuous practices to be his best and win the prize. What hardship are you enduring right now - is it physical, emotional, mental, spiritual? Do you see it as God's way of perfecting you, completing you? Whatever you are enduring right now, see it as an ... unrecognizable joy.