Journal ~ JamesSample

 TRIALS & TEMPTATIONS 

To consider trials as pure joy means we are to count it as so. This is a mindset and  an attitude, not a feeling or an emotion. We are to reframe how we view the trials we face. 

Trials are inevitable because we live in a broken world. First of all, trials do not mean that God is mad at us or that we have done wrong. Secondly, because of God’s sovereignty, trials can be used  to mature us in order to be more like Christ.  Thirdly, our faith is tested through trials. Our faith is not produced by trials. We shouldn’t get the two confuse. The testing of our faith produces perseverance. 

Joseph was a person who faced many trials in his life. However, God was able to use the trials for good. At the latter part of Joseph’s life, he was able to proclaim the following statement: But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring about as it is this day, to save many people life. (Gen 50:30)

We all face some kinds of trials. Know that God is sovereign. What seems to be a bad situation, God is able to use for good.  Hold on to God's word in the midst of your trials, and as you persevere through it, maturity will be the outcome.
Maturity is knowing that in and through God we lack nothing when facing trials
of many kind.