1 Thessalonians 5:18 (The Message)  thank God no matter what happens.

 This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (GW)  Whatever happens, give thanks, 

because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this.

James 1:2–4 (The Message) Consider it a sheer gift, friends, 

when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. 

3 You know that under pressure, your faith-life 

is forced into the open and shows its true colors. 

4 So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. 

Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, 

not deficient in any way.

James 1:2–4 (NCV) ... when you have many kinds of troubles, 

you should be full of joy, 

3 because you know that these troubles test your faith, 

and this will give you patience. 

4 Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. 

Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need.

Praise and spiritual maturity!

Under pressure your faith-life becomes apparent!

Allow God to work in you

so that you become spiritually mature

and well-developed in the things of Jesus.

All this through the Power of our beloved Holy Spirit!

Don't you just love the life-journey

you are on IN Christ?