Firstly, do you remember how in James 1 we are to consider it pure joy? Secondly, do you remember the unexpected places that this pure joy is to come from? Finally, do you remember why?
‘Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing. ‘
James 1:2-4
Unexpected places to find Joy
The unexpected place for joy is in trials and tribulations. Testing of faith produces endurance, spiritual maturity, and inner peace. Endurance leads to the complete development of faith, lacking in nothing.
Today’s Verse of the Day:
So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].
2 Corinthians 12:10 AMP
Unexpected places to find Strength
Paul teaches that we can be pleased with weaknesses, insults, distresses, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ’s sake. When we’re weak, we’re strong because we draw from God’s strength. Therefore, let’s lean on God’s strength and walk in it!
What unexpected places are you or have you found joy? What unexpected places are you or have you found strength? How can we grab a hold of and apply today’s verse of the day to our lives and be dads?
Ways to apply unexpected places from today’s verse to being the dads
- Admitting mistakes: When dads admit their mistakes and take responsibility, they show strength in vulnerability.
- Showing emotions: Dads who express their emotions, whether it’s joy, sadness, or anger, show strength in their authenticity.
- Learning from children: Dads can learn from their children’s curiosity and wonder, and by doing so, they show strength in their openness to learning.
- Asking for help: Dads who ask for help when they need it show strength in their humility and willingness to learn from others.
- Presence: Dads who are fully present in the moment with their children show strength in their ability to focus and connect with their children.
- Patience: Dads who exhibit patience in difficult situations with their children show strength in their ability to persevere and endure.
- Flexibility: Dads who can adapt to changing circumstances and expectations show strength in their ability to be resourceful and creative.
- Forgiveness: Dads who can forgive their children and themselves for mistakes show strength in their ability to show grace and love.
- Gratitude: Dads who express gratitude for the small moments with their children show strength in their ability to find joy in the present.
- Consistency: Dads who consistently show up for their children, even in the small moments, show strength in their commitment and dedication to their family.
