Sereniti- 30 Days to a New Start Sample

Faith Under Pressure

Dear brother and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an excellent opportunity for joy. -James 1:2 (NLT)

James starts this chapter by telling us that when troubles come our way –because they surely will, to count it all joy. In other words, he's admonishing us to find the good in all of the bad and celebrate it. This scripture can be somewhat startling, but it's an optimistic challenge if you give it a little thought. 

Be happy, and hold on. When those "pressures of life" start to haunt us, we still have to maintain our faith and hope in God: that's the safest place- both in the time of trouble and when all seems to go just fine. Your faith in God is critical when you're up against pressure and adversity. Faith under pressure is the type of faith we need, in order to stay constant in our walk with God. It's the kind of faith that prompts us to worship, rather than worry; and to believe, rather than succumb to doubts. 

Pressures shouldn't cause us to waiver in our faith. Instead, stay constant and consistent by letting God know you'll trust Him no matter what. The way to prove your trust in God is to count troubles as joy. 

Meditation:

James 1:1-4

Prayer:

Father, thank You for the trials, temptations, and pressure. I count it all joy knowing that you built me with your strength. I thank you that no matter what- my faith won't fail. In Jesus' name, Amen.