Page 143 - First Steps 2023

Describe a time that you gave of yourself and that brought you joy.
What did you give—and who was the recipient of your gift? Be specific—
see what you can discover.

Devotion

3 “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your

way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that
when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you
will be perfect and complete, needing nothing” (James 1:2-4,
NLT).

So, not only are you going to run into hardships, you’re supposed to
be happy about it. Joyful, even.
All because—why? No pain, no gain? Because what doesn’t kill you
makes you stronger? What’s the moral of this story?
Perhaps it’s because when you’re blindsided by life, your faith is
tested—and that’s fertile ground for you to grow. You decide to trust Jesus
or not trust Jesus. To turn to him or not.
Think of a trouble you’re currently experiencing—big or small, it’s up
to you.
Then ask Jesus, “Where’s the growth here, Lord? Where’s the oppor-
tunity for joy?”
Jot below what you hear.

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