Joy in the Process - James 1:2-3

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness."
— James 1:2–3

When we think about joy, we usually imagine the moments after the breakthrough — when the prayer is answered, the work is complete, or the dream becomes reality. But James challenges us to see joy differently: not just at the finish line, but in the process itself.

The early believers James wrote to were facing real hardships — persecution, poverty, and uncertainty about their future. Yet James doesn’t tell them to simply endure or survive — he tells them to rejoice. Why? Because God was using every trial, every slow and painful step, to grow something lasting in them: steadfastness. A strength of faith that only comes through trusting Him in the middle, not just praising Him at the end.

The "process" seasons — the waiting, the stretching, the small unnoticed steps of obedience — are not wasted. They are sacred places where God is deepening your character, refining your heart, and preparing you for what’s ahead. Joy comes when you realize that God's goodness is not only in the destination, but also in His presence with you right now.

This week, instead of rushing through the process or resenting it, lean in. Trust that what feels slow or ordinary is where God is doing some of His most extraordinary work in you. Find joy, not because every moment is easy, but because every moment is held in His hands.

Prayer: Father, thank You for being with me not just at the end of the journey, but in every step along the way. Teach me to find joy even in the stretching, even in the slow seasons, even when I can’t yet see the outcome. Build in me a faith that is steadfast, a heart that trusts You fully, and a spirit that rejoices in Your presence no matter what. Help me to remember that You are working all things for good — even when the process feels long. I choose to trust You and to find joy in every step. In Jesus' name, Amen.