Joy

"The testing of your faith produces steadfastness," James 1:3.
How not to be wishy-washy, wimpy? How not to be double minded? How not to wander in worldly cares against growth of the heart? Well, to be sure, it's not easy. Scripture says firm determination arises from trial. OK, maybe, but I want loyalty to just be there in me because that's the kind of guy I am! Fact is, we're none of us that kind of guy. Yeah, but trial is no fun. No, it's not. Yet, that's the way faithfulness establishes. From trial. And because steadfastness prods on to mature sufficiency, we meet trials with joy. (Joy?!) Be aware: No need to fabricate trials. They're there, part of the fabric of this world. But, joy? Really? Yes: God promises the crown of life to anyone proved true in the test.
We give thanks for the One who pulls the yoke with us through the test. We thank God who promises life after the proving. We share with a brother or sister struggling with trial.