“Goodbye Daddy! You can go to be with Jesus now. I love you. See you in heaven.” I was shouting through my tears on the phone. April 30, 2021, was the last time I spoke to my dad on Earth. He had had a massive heart attack. I tried to see him at the hospital, but they wouldn’t let me because of COVID. A few hours later, he slipped into eternity. I found it hard to process my grief while having to go to work and act normal. I wasn’t young, but I felt the sting of losing my daddy. We hadn’t ever been very close emotionally, and I grieved the loss. Over the years since then, I have learned to know and experience God as my Daddy in heaven and to trust him more.

We all go through painful periods in our lives. We have a choice; will we become bitter or better? With God’s help, we can become much better. He wants to make us more like Jesus. God is preparing us for important tasks in His kingdom. Let us praise Jesus with joy that he has counted us worthy to suffer. These trials are a brief blip in view of eternity. Everyone, not only Christians, experiences painful trials in this temporary life. But unlike our unbelieving friends, we have God’s Holy Spirit’s power to draw on.

Bill Bright, the founder of Cru/Power to Change, writes, “If you are experiencing difficulties in your life-physical illness, loss of loved ones, financial adversity- remember … James 1:2-4 [today’s passage]... Be happy, knowing that God will work in your life to accomplish His holy purpose.” (Promises, Day 12, New Life Publications. 1993)

My brothers and sisters, you will have many kinds of trouble. But this gives you a reason to be very happy. 3 You know that when your faith is tested, you learn to be patient in suffering. 4 If you let that patience work in you, the end result will be good. You will be mature and complete. You will be all that God wants you to be.- James 1:2-4 (ERV)

Dear Jesus, I don’t like my trials, but I know from your Word that you are using them in my life. Help me to rejoice in you despite how I feel today.

Throughout this day: Check out this online devotion from Bill Bright. You can subscribe to receive it daily by email. https://www.cru.org/content/cru/us/en/train-and-grow/spiritual-growth/devotionals/todays-promise/01/08.htmlOr consider buying the book: Promises: A Daily Guide to Supernatural Living by Bill Bright can be found on various sites online.

Originally published March 23, 2026. https://thelife.com/devotionals/trials-bring-joy

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