Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
- James 1:2-3
I’ve talked about God testing us the past few weeks and we learn that God asks us to test Him in only one area: our finances! Ouch! How that can hurt in today’s world! Nonetheless, we know through scripture that we will face trials and temptations. Jesus himself tells us in John 16:33
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Whether we face illness, financial despair, disappointment, etc … we should look to the Bible for our peace and understanding through every situation. Romans 5:3-5 tells us:
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
The Word teaches us to rejoice in our trails and to thank God because we know that we will grow through the circumstances. We must understand that trials may test our faith, but our faith tested can bring out the best we have to give to God. Thus meaning, our tribulations work FOR us and not AGAINST us. They help us to mature and grow in our walk with Christ.
How often do we need patience, yet know better than to pray for it. I like the line in “Evan Almighty” where Morgan Freeman (God) says,”
Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?
If we truly wish to triumph through our trials we must learn to “let go and let God.” We must have the patience and faith to allow God to move in the situation. Something that seems impossible for most of us! It’s hard sometimes to hand it all over to God in a world where most of us like to just be “in control.” We must know that, ultimately, everything works for good according to God’s will … not our own.
Finally, we must simply ask for the wisdom and knowledge required to get us through the time. God tells us to ask for wisdom, but the knowledge can only be gained though studying His word. We can gain wisdom through our life experiences and sought through prayer, but the knowledge of the sword will only be learned when it is studied and applied to our everyday life. Accordingly, we should pray in faith, without ceasing, and without doubt that God alone can move mountains.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
- James 1:2-8
