“Dear brothers and sisters, When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete , needing nothing. – James 1:2-4
You noticed that James did not say “If” trouble comes your way, but “When” it does. He knew that we live in a broken world that has much evil and strife facing us everyday. He assumes that we “will” have trouble and that it is possible to profit spiritually from them. The point is to not to pretend to be happy when we face pain, but to have a positive outlook (“consider it an opportunity for great joy”) because of what troubles can produce in our life. He tell us to turn our hardships into times of learning. Tough times can teach us perseverance.
Even though we face many trials in this broken and fallen world we live in, it should give us great “Joy” that we have a helper with much stronger and broader shoulders with which He can carry the burdens of all of our troubles. By staying close to Him in our thoughts and prayers, He stands ready to help us with our trials. Just knowing and experiencing that fact strengthens our faith and trust in Him, daily…
” I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. Because you are my helper (though I am suffering) I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you, your strong right hand holds me securely.” Psalm 63:6-8
We all have trials and troubles everyday. And we each face the choice (actually many choice-points during the day) of whether we choose to pridefully “go-it-alone in our weakness” or to “walk with Him in humble steps of dependence,” trusting in His strength and wisdom.
The choice is ours…
Just know that He stands ready to help at a moments notice..You don’t have to wait for Him to call back, or find the time…He is with you always…
My Prayer for this day:
Lord, I thank you and I praise you for all your blessings, and for being with me, despite my weak human, sinful failings and frailties. Lord, I ask you for your help in each and every day of my life. For too many years I faced life’s trials without you, relying on myself , a friend, or a relationship, all poorly equipped to deal with the distractions and temptations that each day try to keep me from the most important relationship in my life – with you, Lord. I look forward to the joy of facing life today with you, my Lord, as my shepherd and eternal helper.
Blessed are you, my Lord, King of the Universe, Prince of Peace…