"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."-James 1:2-4

It is fitting that I would be memorizing these verses while I go through a hard time at work. I like how James says "consider it pure joy," rather than "take comfort" or "you'll get through it." When God disciplines me, that is evidence that I am his child, as Hebrews 12:6 says, "... the Lord discipline those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." Parents don't usually discipline other people's kids - just their own. In knowing that God is testing my faith, I can have "pure joy" because that means he loves me as his own child. Discipline is for our good, and it's purpose is to make us mature like Christ. My parents disciplined me when I was young, and I didn't like it at the time, but now I am glad that they did because it prepared me for life on my own. I want to submit to God's discipline so that I can be mature and complete, not lacking anything, and live a life that brings glory to him.