“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that testing of your faith develops perseverance.
perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete,
not lacking anything” James 1:2-4 (NIV)
Lord, I understand the message from James when I keep in mind the end of this passage. Father, at what point do we consider a trial a ‘pure joy’?
As I look back into my history, I find each time I faced a trial; I was busy as I tried to get through the circumstance. Was I wrong when I dealt with the things at hand as I waited for You to bring the issue in front of me to a resolution?
Did I know in my heart You had allowed the situation to come into my life? Or did I secretly grumble about having to step outside my comfort zone? Did I openly gripe to a friend about the fact I had to go through whatever it was? Whatever I did, You heard me.
Once my crisis comes to its end, I realize that I possess a different stance. What might have bothered me prior to the episode has made me see that issue for what it was-a sign of my weakness, a blind spot, or a shortcoming that I needed to deal with.
Each time I learn what God is teaching me and remember it; I find I am better equipped to understand what He wants to do in my life.
I’ve come to the conclusion that, yes, I can look at my trials as His way of instilling maturity in my life when the crisis begins. This outlook has come to me through introspection and experiences He has given me.
The joy will come when I see how He will continue to mould me into the person He wants me to be. I will see these hard times as times of learning and times of growth.
I hate going through trials, but I always come through them with a deeper appreciation for my life and a stronger faith. Thanks for the beautiful devotion.
ReplyDeleteThe end result of a trial is meant to be maturity--I think that's where the joy comes in. If we look back and can see growth, it delights us and the Lord.
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