Faith and Endurance
Wednesday, November 16
Faith and Endurance
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. James 1:2
What are you saying about the season you are in? What sort of words are you using to describe it? James chapter 1 gives us the word joy to use during the trying times. James is not teaching us that suffering is good in itself. We are not to say that our pain by itself makes us joyful; we are to “count” or “regard” it as joy when we encounter trials. And we do this because trials give us the opportunity to endure and thereby be made mature and complete. In the amplified version of the Bible it says, ‘2Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. 3 Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace].’ – James 1:2 and 3.
Enduring hardship by itself, is not a good thing. But knowing that God will use it for His glory makes it worth it. Knowing that our Father is working everything together for good in my life (Rom. 8:28), I can face my trials with courage and look for opportunities to grow spiritually during such times.
Prayer for today: Dear God, I pray this day for Your strength. Help me to not focus on the situation, but to see You in the midst of it all. Renew a right spirit within me, Lord. Create in me a clean heart O God so that I might truly count it all joy when what I really want to do is scream. Help me in my weakness and be my strength. Amen.