James 1
“ 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. “
A couple of days ago I posted about my current time of trial. So, I was encouraged Sunday when Pastor Sarah chose this passage.
How hard it is to consider trials as pure joy but although I know that God doesn’t tempt us (v 13) I do accept that God has a plan for us and “12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
It is hard not to be angry when you feel you have suffered injustice but James tells us “19 :Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, “
I am working towards the day when my faith will be mature and complete and not lacking anything. I find it hard to rejoice in this trial but I will embrace it, persevere and be quick to listen for God’s voice.
It is awfully hard to rejoice in the midst of trial. But when I am in such a period, I try to remember that passage in which Jesus goes into the wilderness to face Satan and be tempted for 40 days. Last time I read it, I noticed that the text read that the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness...and I realized that yes, sometimes God does lead us toward (and through) trials for a reason.
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