Trails and Tempations

Today for one of my classes we had a devotional from the first chapter of James. Which reads...

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything... Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:2-4,12)

Wow. Wow. Wow.
I'm certain that most of you reading this have heard this verse before, as I have, but when you really dig deep... that's when it hits you.

First off James tells us to consider it PURE joy when we face trials. As opposed to almost or some Joy? Its worth noting for those of you who don't know, that JOY doesn't not necessarily mean happiness. Joy does not mean that we are giddy and excited about what just happened or what is happening. Joy, is only found when we have Jesus in our lives. When we face trials, yes, they are going to hurt, yes they are going to sting, and yes they are going to leave you weakened, But James encourages us to find Joy in our trials. How much Joy do you have in your life? You may be the happiest person on earth, but are you filled with the Joy of the Lord??

We all know that when we face trials and tribulations, our minds quickly begin to question God. Why did this happen to me? or Why didn't this happen to me? Sometimes people will go as far as questioning the existence of God all together. What they don't understand/realize is that we are allowed to go through trials SO THAT our "faith will develop perseverance." Then James says that, "perseverance must finish its work." Why? SO THAT we can become "mature and complete and not lacking anything." 

See people, we have it all wrong. When we go through trials and have bad days we need to find Joy! God is testing us, testing our faith. When we finally realize this we can look at our trials as gifts from God we can begin to grow in our faith! We DO NOT have to be happy all the time however, and its OK to ask God why, but we need to understand that He is in control. He is leading us and we CAN trust Him.

I don't know about you, but i want to be mature and complete in my faith. I think that is the ultimate goal of the Christian faith. To be sanctified and made whole.

James then says in verse twelve that the man who perseveres under trials and passes the test, is going to receive the crown of life. That those who become mature and complete in their faith are going to have eternal life with the Father in Heaven. YES PLEASE!!

Test me and try me God, I want to become more mature and complete in my walk with you so that I may, too, receive the crown of life that you have promised me!

Love You All
Branden