Kevin, a dear brother-in-Christ, left an apt comment on my blog on double-mindedness. He referred to the book of James.
This week, I would like to share my learning from James 1:1-18.
Let me highlight verses 2-3, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."
Since I declared last week that I am determined to be single minded about pushing towards the calling that God laid in my heart, I faced more trials. Surely the devil did not want me to push ahead to fulfill God's plan. Without going into details, I would just share there were fresh obstacles placed on my walk. It was clearly aimed at making me feel that I should just give up the fight. These obstacles hammered into my inner being, piercing the psycho-emotional core in me and trying to hit at my confidence and self-esteem.
It was severe enough for me to cry out to the Lord like the psalmist did in Psalm 43 - "Vindicate me O Lord! ..... Why are you so downcast, o my soul? Why so disturbed within me?..."
But praise be to God that He is good all the time. Throughout the week, He assured me again and again. He told me that escaping is not in His plan for me. Indeed, I am where He wants me to be and so, I should consider it pure joy in facing these trials, for they will produce perseverance which will make me mature spiritually.
While it was painful for me to bear the trials, God's assurance will keep me focused and moving forward. With His grace and strength, I am determined to "stand up and fight" for God has won and the devil has lost. Victory in on my side as Jesus was the Victor in the drama of redemption at Calvary. Jesus won and now I CAN win too. Hallelujah!
So instead of being in turmoil, I echo the psalmist's words saying "Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God." (Psalm 43:5b).
We are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus who loves us (Rom 8:37). Praise the Lord!
God bless.
Steven
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