Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.

James 1:2

Our insurance company refused to renew our homeowners’ policy unless we replaced the roof. Their aerial photo indicated a dark area on the back. I panicked. How much would a new roof cost? Was there time before the policy expired? As I walked through the kitchen, the Holy Spirit whispered in my heart: “All you have belongs to God. The house, the furniture — and the roof. Count it all joy in trials.” I remembered how God had taken care of the leak behind the dishwasher and the aging heat and air unit. I read James 1 about God’s promise to develop faith and steadfastness during our trials. The following week, a roofer assured us our roof was in good condition. God led us to a new company which offered better coverage at a lower price. We thanked Him for the joy of trust in trials.

Jeannie Waters
Macon, GA

Father, remind me to count trials as joy and trust You. Amen.

Reflect: List the ways God has provided for you in the past. What current needs offer ways to choose joy?

Read: Psalm 34:10 and Matthew 7:7-11