God says to "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."
I'm telling you, there is nothing like reading the book of James to completely remove you of your pride and make you realize just how much you are not in control!
Right now, I am in my 1st semester of grad school, and midterms are rapidly approaching. It seems like every professor wants a paper, a project, and an exam all due at the same time. (It's as if they plan it that way!) It can quickly become overwhelming on top of my 2 jobs.
What is it in your life? Is it financial struggles? The loss of a loved one? A broken marriage? Or is it simply a feeling of emptiness that leaves you desperately searching for "something more?"
God tells us to not only "consider it pure joy" when we face trials but to also never doubt if He is with us in the middle of whatever circumstance we may find ourselves in. The next verse in James says, "Perseverance must finish it's work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
God does not put us in a fire to sit back and watch us burn out. He is with us in the middle of life's hottest flames, wanting and willing to walk right by our side through every trial.
Mandisa is one of my favorite contemporary Christian artists, and I love the lyrics to her song, Stronger: "When the waves are taking you under, hold on just a little bit longer. He knows that this is gonna make you stronger!"
Give God the weight of your circumstances, and go to Him in prayer. He will take you directly to the cross where He will transform your trials into triumph!
B
My sister, Charlotte, was awarded the MLK Community Service Award at Mt. Canaan Baptist Church in Shreveport Sunday evening. The preacher was from St. Louis & he did a great job. One of his main points was that we are NOT the STAR of this show called life. Jesus is the star, we are not even supporting actors. We are the behind the scene workers! Loved it! James definitely has a humbling effect on us as does all the scripture when we realize it ain't about us! It's all about Him! May you continue to glorify Him.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Debbie,
ReplyDeleteAs I was writing this, all the memories of you teaching our children's Sunday School class to memorize the first chapter of James came flooding back! Seems like only yesterday! Good times!