James 1:2-4
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Oswald Chambers said in his devotional entitled, Partakers of His Sufferings, that if we are going to be used by God, He will take us through a number of experiences that are not meant for us personally at all. They are designed to make us useful in His hands, and to enable us to understand what takes place in the lives of others.
We go through difficult experiences as part of our spiritual development. When we are in the midst of these experiences, we can respond in one of two ways; be glad that we are being developed, or be bitter that we are going through difficulties. We have to decide which of these two responses to choose. The choice usually is not that clear when we are suffering the inconveniences and discomfort.
However, if we remind ourselves that God is priming us for doing His work and will, then we take comfort that with the Holy Spirit's help, we will get through the pains and turn out stronger and for the better. More importantly, we will find that we will be used by God to comfort someone else going through similar experiences because we understand how they feel.
I know because I have just gone through that. I am considered it my joy to be developed by the Spirit.
1 Peter 4:12-13 says " 12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
Let us be focused upon Jesus and remember that we are continually being developed for His glory.
Praise the Lord.
Steven
We go through difficult experiences as part of our spiritual development. When we are in the midst of these experiences, we can respond in one of two ways; be glad that we are being developed, or be bitter that we are going through difficulties. We have to decide which of these two responses to choose. The choice usually is not that clear when we are suffering the inconveniences and discomfort.
However, if we remind ourselves that God is priming us for doing His work and will, then we take comfort that with the Holy Spirit's help, we will get through the pains and turn out stronger and for the better. More importantly, we will find that we will be used by God to comfort someone else going through similar experiences because we understand how they feel.
I know because I have just gone through that. I am considered it my joy to be developed by the Spirit.
1 Peter 4:12-13 says " 12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
Let us be focused upon Jesus and remember that we are continually being developed for His glory.
Praise the Lord.
Steven
Praise the Lord that we be able to find Joy in Trials.
ReplyDeleteThe past 2 years have been trying for me and I suppose that as mere humans we probaly cannot choose two separate ways to respond to difficulties but rather to go through the two different responses one after another.
Our initial response to all trials would probably be, first to feel bitter. But through quiet, persistent prayers and faith in the Lord, we will realize that we are being developed, and afterwhich experience peace, release and gladness.
Thank you for your reminder that we need to be focused on Jesus so that we would be able to find strength through HIM to perserve and accept his WILL through all difficulties.
In Christ,
WoonBC
Hi BC
ReplyDeleteIndeed, the joy of trials come after we go through the trials. That is how we are sanctified and refined.
While I am going through the fire, I need the word of God to affirm and encourage me. As such, forcing myself to keep focused upon His words keeps me going.
I trust that you have the same experience.
So, when we see others in the fire, let's remember to encourage them with the Word of God, for that is the sweet remedy that surely works.
Thank you for your sharing.
God bless.
Steven