The Book of JamesSample

Today's Devotional:

Is there purpose in our suffering? When adversity strikes, it can be hard to find meaning in it. But when we can’t understand the why, we can focus on the what. What God develops in us through suffering can bring us hope and strength in the journey.

In the 1990s, an experiment called The Biosphere 2 attempted to re-create optimal earth conditions artificially. One reason the experiment failed was that they could not recreate wind in such a perfectly controlled environment. As a result, trees grew quickly but kept falling over. Without a breeze and storms, the trees couldn’t develop a strong root system. Persevering through suffering helps us develop strong roots in God. Moments of desperation and pain remind us to dig deeper into God’s Word and His presence. Even though it’s tempting to desire perfect conditions in life, perfect conditions don’t build character. Without adversity, we become like the fragile trees in the Biosphere.

It’s not fun, but the process of maturing, growing, and becoming stronger only happens through suffering. Hebrews 5:8 (MSG) says this about Jesus, “Though he was God’s Son, he learned trusting-obedience by what he suffered, just as we do.” Our God did not make Himself distant or immune to suffering; instead, He gave us an example of how trusting obedience is developed through it.

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Today's devotional was written by Melissa Miller.

Questions:

1. In what ways has God grown and matured you through suffering?
2. How does the life of Jesus inspire you to respond to suffering?
3. Who is the most resilient person you know?

Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for giving me strength in every battle. Help me to grow and mature through every season of suffering. Use all the trials in my life to build my character and trusting obedience to you. Let my life be an example of someone firmly planted in God through every storm. Amen.