YOU ARE TO COUNT IT ALL JOY

11/29/2025

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.” — James 1:2

In Luke 8:22–25, scripture tells us that Jesus said to His disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” They got into the boat, launched out, and while they sailed, Jesus fell asleep. Suddenly, a violent storm descended on the lake, and their boat began to fill with water. It looked like a death sentence.

Panicked, the disciples woke Jesus, shouting, “Master! Master! We are going to drown!”

But when Jesus rose,He rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and instantly the storm became calm.

Then came His striking question:

“Where is your faith?”

In other words, “Why didn’t you handle this? Why lose sleep over something you had authority over?”

At first glance we might ask, “What else were they supposed to do?”

They were in the middle of the lake, water filling the boat—wasn’t this the perfect moment to cry for help? Didn’t Psalm 50:15 say,“Call upon Me in the day of trouble”?

Yes, God answers prayer—but this situation reveals something deeper.

When Jesus asked, “Where is your faith?”, He wasn’t angry—He was surprised. It was the same tone He used with Philip in John 14:9,

“Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me?”

Hear me, saints:

Jesus was introducing a new way of living.

He was showing the disciples that they were not supposed to respond to situations as helpless victims—but as carriers of divine authority.

Their panic revealed their mindset. They were more aware of the storm than the presence of the Almighty God sitting in the boat with them.

And this is where many Christians still stumble today.

We know God is with us, yet at the moment of pressure we act as though He is far away. We let the waves of the situation overshadow the One who rules the waves.

But Jesus expected more from them.

Not only was He disappointed that they didn’t trust His presence,

He was disappointed that they didn’t rebuke the wind themselves.

They could have handled it.

They had the authority.

They just didn’t know it.

When the storm ceased, the disciples said in amazement,

“Who is this man?”

What they didn’t realize was this:

They were becoming the same kind of man.

A God-filled, God-backed, God-enabled man—just like Jesus.

And so are you.

Many today still struggle with the simple truth that we are a new kind of creation—

a people with divinity at work in us.

(2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Corinthians 6:17; Romans 8:11)

If Jesus didn’t lose sleep over a bad report, neither should we.

As He is, so are we in this world.(1 John 4:17)

Is there a storm in front of you today?

Speak to it—and then sleep.

The Word says,

“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7

Don’t let anxiety dictate your life.

Don’t magnify the waves—magnify the Word.

Whatever you are facing only came because you already carry the solution.

So cheer up. Refuse to lose sleep over bad news.

Instead—

Count it all joy.(James 1:2)

And praise God because the victory is already yours.

Faith-Filled Confession:

In the name of Jesus, I declare that I do not fear storms, challenges, or unexpected news.

The Greater One lives in me, therefore I cannot be overwhelmed.

I refuse to lose sleep over anything the enemy brings my way.

I cast all my cares on the Lord, for He cares for me.

I speak to every storm around me—peace, be still!

I speak to every adversity—become a plain before me!

My faith is alive, my heart is steady, and my mouth is filled with victory.

As Jesus is, so am I in this world; therefore I walk in boldness, dominion, and rest.

No anxiety, no fear, no defeat.

Only joy, victory, and supernatural calmness.

Today, I count it all joy because I always win.

Hallelujah!