Discipline: the Path to Joy

By Sandra Clifton, D. Min. Jun 10, 2010

(PART 1)

Most of the time, we look at trials as a nuisance, a bother and even a curse. But God’s Word tells us to “count it all joy” when we fall into various trials, trusting that God has a special perspective—a divine perspective—that will change the way we view our trials and change our lives in a profound way.

READ: James 1:2-3; Luke 16:10; Acts 26:2; Heb. 11:24-26; Heb. 12:2; Phil. 3:5-10.

HEART ISSUE: In your prayer time this week, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you God’s perspective of your recent struggles and to show you how these have equipped you for the future.
PRAYER FOCUS: Father, thank You so much for the trials and challenges that I go through, because I know that they can only equip, prepare and strengthen me for the greater roles You are calling me to play. I welcome the trials, knowing in faith that they are a God-given privilege—building me into a giant in the faith to achieve Your great plans for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

(PART 2)

God assures you in His Word that you are to trust in Him beyond your own understanding. No matter what you are facing, God’s Word promises that you can walk daily in His blessings through faith in Him.
READ: Neh. 8:10; Prov. 3:5-6; 2 Cor. 4:8; 2 Cor. 4:16-18; Phil. 4:8-9; 1 Pet. 1:7.
HEART ISSUE: How are you coping with any trials and challenges you are walking through? Are you staying focused on the Lord? As His Word tells you, count it all as pure joy. Trials are not mountains to fail, but stepping stones to climb to a higher place!
PRAYER FOCUS: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for giving me a path through my trials—stepping stones that can only lead me to walk at higher levels of my authority in Christ. Amen.

Read a companion article.