Trust Through The Trialsናሙና

When we revisit James 1:2-4, we see that the first thing the passage teaches us is to consider the trials joy. Why? Simply put, we must go through trials to grow. It only makes sense that to become mature and complete in our faith, we must go through moments that check our faith, right? If nothing tested our faith, how would we strengthen it? The simple reality is this – God wants to work through each person reading this. He has incredible plans for YOU. Your trials are part of the path that leads to God’s promises. And to be used by God in incredible ways, He must know that you are committed - even on the bad days. For example, Abraham was called to sacrifice his own son (I would imagine that’s a trial to say the least), but after his display of commitment and obedience to God, a ram was provided to be sacrificed instead (Genesis 22). And please don’t confuse commitment with perfection. God uses imperfect people every day. I’m not at all saying you must be perfect. But how much more could we be used for the Kingdom of God if we were simply committed?

 Here’s the thing about trials - not every trial sends me to rock bottom, but every time I’m at rock bottom it’s because of a trial. But sometimes it takes hitting rock bottom in order for Jesus to show you He is the rock at the bottom. He is the cornerstone. He is the foundation. And when you build your life on Him then nothing can be shaken.

Challenge Today: Consider your trials joy. Think about what God is trying to teach you. Think about what He is preparing you for. Think about the prayers you have been praying. If you have dreams for expanding God’s Kingdom, then you must realize the road will be bumpy, but it will also be blessed. Every person that was used by God in the Bible had many trials to overcome, even Jesus Himself. 

Prayer Today: God, help me to consider the trials in my life as nothing but joy. Help me to use them as an opportunity to draw even closer to you. Help me to understand what You are trying to teach me through these trials, and help me to realize that they are necessary if I want to become mature and complete in my faith. God, I want to be used for your glory, I know that means trials are inevitable, so help me to walk through each one faithfully committed to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.