James 1:2 Consider it pure joy…whenever you face trials of many kinds….
I’ll be the first to admit that I my default reaction when I am facing trials in my life is not to rejoice. But as I think about my faith, my ability to praise God and to cling to Him, even when it feels like life is falling apart, I know that that faith was born of the fact that He has brought me through past difficulties when I saw utterly no way out. He has blanketed me with His peace, a peace which surpasses all understanding, when I didn’t even know which way to turn. He’s held me securely through previous trials, and I have every confidence that He will continue. Thank You, Jesus.
James 1:3 …because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
I’m pretty stubborn, and self-sufficiency, in this world, is praised, so it’s hard for me to admit that I can’t handle something, but it is only when I admit my helplessness, my inability to handle a situation, that I can truly get out of God’s way so He can work through me. Trials often take me to the end of myself, which is when I can finally see, feel, and understand His fierce love and great compassion for me. Thank You, Jesus.
James 1:4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for drawing me closer to You. Thank You for bringing me to the end of myself so that I can understand in part Your overwhelming love for me. Thank You for grace, wisdom, and mercy, for peace that surpasses all human understanding. Help me to rejoice, always, in Your great love for me. Amen.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.