1 Thess 2:3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith greatly enlarged (growth exceedingly), and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater (abounds);

Rom 4:17 (as it is written, “A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS HAVE I MADE YOU”) in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.

18 In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, “SO SHALL YOUR DESCENDANTS BE.”

19 Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb;

20 yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.

1 Pet 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof (trial) of your faith, being more precious than goldwhich is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

Believing glorifies God and God glorifies faith!

Hab 3:17 Though the fig tree should not blossom And there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail And the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold

And there be no cattle in the stalls, 18 Yet I will exult in the LORD,

I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.

19 The Lord GOD is my strength, And He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, And makes me walk on my high places.

Faith has a praise that defies the darkness.

“Tehilla” is the Hebrew word for Praise.

The root of tehillah is halal – to boast, shine, to rave about someone.

God is not waiting for something perfect but something real.

4 keys for Overcoming tough trials with mega-joy

1. When you face a trial with intentional joy, you are passing God’s test.

2. Evaluate the trial correctly.

Jesus, “for the joy set before Him endured the cross” (Heb. 12:2).

Can you look past the trial to eternity?

3. Trials are maturing your faith.

Joy is meeting your trials with faith.

James 1:3 The testing of your faith works patience

God has a great plan for your pain!

4. Joy brings wisdom when we are wavering.

Without wisdom, we “waver.”

James 1:5 – ask for wisdom