DAY 59: JAMES

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4)

Dear Christian,

You can rejoice in difficult seasons.

All throughout scripture we follow along the journey of imperfect people who walk through some of the most difficult circumstances ever recorded.

But in spite of it all, the Lord remains faithful. He delivers His people from impossible situations, He provides for His people in the wilderness, He guides His people from darkness to light, and He even went as far as sending His own Son to the world, who experienced more suffering than we can ever bear and yet is the happiest man to ever live.

He is truly blessed — truly happy. In Hebrews 12, it says that Jesus, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross. What was the joy set before Him? Seeing us get saved, reconciled with the Father forever.

And so when you’re having a bad day, when you’re suffering, or when you’re facing death, “Cheer up! You're a worse sinner than you ever dared imagine, and you're more loved than you ever dared hope.” (Jack Miller)

Love,
Patsy

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Created as part of the Books of the Bible Collection where I meditate on God’s beauty and faithfulness from beginning to end for 66 days from Genesis to Revelation. Each painting will be accompanied by an envelope containing a personal reflection based on the text the painting is based on.

An 8x10 inch original watercolor painting on 100% cold pressed cotton paper, 2023.