James 1:2-4
When I was teaching I had a sign in my classroom that read, “It’s ok to try and fail and try and fail and try and fail again. It is NOT ok to fail to try”. Although failing is not fun, and we may want to quit, in many ways it makes us stronger. Life guarantees us struggles. These struggles are not limited to one type; they could be financial hardship, relational, health issues, loss, disappointments, spiritual battles. No one is exempt. Life’s challenges can leave us feeling frustrated, hurt, or even hopeless. Perseverance is not always easy. This can also be true when it comes to our faith. Through our trials, our faith is tested but it can actually make us stronger. As believers, we’re called to see trials from a different perspective. Challenging times are opportunities to trust God.
James 1:2-4 says: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV)
When we face tough times, our first reaction is often anything but joy. This doesn't mean we should pretend everything is fine or ignore our pain. Instead, it's about shifting our perspective and recognizing that these trials can actually work for our good. God wants us to look beyond our hurts, our failures, our difficulties. He wants us to stay persistent, to persevere, and to keep our eyes on Him. He is right beside us, walking with us, and at times holding us up. Through our struggles we will become stronger. We should not measure our strength against our challenges. God is with us during tough times giving us strength and comfort. He can use even the hardest times to grow our faith, deepen our character and bring us closer to Him. Hold on to God’s promise that He is with you and stay in trust, faith, and thankfulness. Perseverance develops spiritual maturity. When we remember that, we can have joy, knowing that God is helping us grow!
Questions for Reflection:
- What trials are you currently facing? Are you staying focused on God and putting your trust in him?
- How can you choose to shift your perspective and "consider it pure joy"?
- In what ways have you seen your faith grow through past trials?
Prayer:
Loving God, Thank you for being with us when life gets hard. We are often ready to give up, and find it impossible to find the joy. At these times, help us to see challenges as opportunities to grow in our faith and develop perseverance. Strengthen us to endure and to not give up so that we may emerge from every trial more mature, more complete, and more like Jesus. Amen
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