As I read back on some of my old devotions, I came across this one that spoke to my heart especially tonight. Hopefully God wants to use this to touch others as well.
James 1:2-4 (NIV)
"[sup]2[/sup]Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [sup]3[/sup]because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. [sup]4[/sup]Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
You know, I'm glad God gave us His entire Word, and not just snippets here and there. If I were just to read James 1:2, I'd think the Lord was crazy and that I couldn't relate to Him at all. Pure joy during trials? It just doesn't make sense if you ask me -- joy is the last thing I feel when I'm going through difficult times (trials / temptations).
Fortunately, though, we do get the entirety of His Word. God was using James to explain a very important concept to us, one that was lost on me for some time. Trials (temptations) are used by God to help make us stronger in our faith. Each victory we win over temptation builds our faith and makes us more like Christ. Without trials, we simply can't grow!
Seems backward, huh? As a sinful human being, even one saved by grace, temptation is always there begging me to step away from God and follow its path. Hard to believe that the same temptation which leads us to sin also can lead us to a stronger walk with our Lord. As with most things in our Christian walks, it seems to me it's a matter of perspective. How will you respond to trials and temptations? Will you draw near to God to overcome, or will you let yourself be led astray? Joy comes from faithfulness, overcoming the trials and strengthening our relationship with God. Painful experiences come from being led astray.
I guess the question is this, then. Do you want to grow in your relationship with Christ? I do. My prayer today is this:
"Father God, I want to grow in the strength, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ, to become more like Him each day. I know that's your desire for my life as well. Lord, please help me to do so today. If that means you must allow Satan to tempt me to stray from you, let him try. Lord, please give me your strength so that when those tests come, I can remain strong in you, and stand. Be with me this day in everything I do, that I may bring honor and glory to you. I pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen."
May God see fit to test you as well, and may He give you strength to stand tall.
James 1:2-4 (NIV)
"[sup]2[/sup]Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [sup]3[/sup]because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. [sup]4[/sup]Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
You know, I'm glad God gave us His entire Word, and not just snippets here and there. If I were just to read James 1:2, I'd think the Lord was crazy and that I couldn't relate to Him at all. Pure joy during trials? It just doesn't make sense if you ask me -- joy is the last thing I feel when I'm going through difficult times (trials / temptations).
Fortunately, though, we do get the entirety of His Word. God was using James to explain a very important concept to us, one that was lost on me for some time. Trials (temptations) are used by God to help make us stronger in our faith. Each victory we win over temptation builds our faith and makes us more like Christ. Without trials, we simply can't grow!
Seems backward, huh? As a sinful human being, even one saved by grace, temptation is always there begging me to step away from God and follow its path. Hard to believe that the same temptation which leads us to sin also can lead us to a stronger walk with our Lord. As with most things in our Christian walks, it seems to me it's a matter of perspective. How will you respond to trials and temptations? Will you draw near to God to overcome, or will you let yourself be led astray? Joy comes from faithfulness, overcoming the trials and strengthening our relationship with God. Painful experiences come from being led astray.
I guess the question is this, then. Do you want to grow in your relationship with Christ? I do. My prayer today is this:
"Father God, I want to grow in the strength, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ, to become more like Him each day. I know that's your desire for my life as well. Lord, please help me to do so today. If that means you must allow Satan to tempt me to stray from you, let him try. Lord, please give me your strength so that when those tests come, I can remain strong in you, and stand. Be with me this day in everything I do, that I may bring honor and glory to you. I pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen."
May God see fit to test you as well, and may He give you strength to stand tall.
