The first chapter of James addresses this issue.
Trials test our faith, making us steadfast, teaching us to tenaciously hold on, trusting God's timing. He will remove the trial when it has done its work of producing maturity - a deeper communion with Christ, greater trust in Him, and a stable, righteous, godly character.
When you are in the middle of the trial, ask for wisdom in faith, believing that God is working! God has you exactly where He wants you. Are you rich? Poor? No matter. Rejoice and trust Him in your circumstances.
Christian, remind yourself that you are beyond blessed, because you will receive the Crown of Life that the Lord has promised to you. So hold on!
If you react to trials sinfully - in complaining, in anger, in despair - you are giving in to the lust in your heart.
Don't blame God!
Everything that happens is under God's control. It is His PERFECT will for you. Don't be deceived into thinking that the trial you are facing was somehow outside of His plan. HE IS ALWAYS IN CONTROL. He will always bring good out of evil for those who love Him. And remember, we only love Him because He first loved us. He set His affection on us, and called us by His grace.
James 1:17 Every good and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from t he Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
His gifts are adequate - they meet the need perfectly.
His gifts are complete - nothing is missing.
His gifts are beneficial - they are for our good.
DO NOT CHAFE UNDER YOUR YOKE!
God is Light. There is not even a shadow in Him. So don't worry that He means you ill.
God is Changeless. Immutable. So trust Him to do what He promised.
God is Love. He chose to regenerate us, to bring us out of the darkness of our sin.
So respond with awe and love and service to Him and to others.
Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. You have no idea what God is doing in the circumstances you are facing. Don't blame your spouse, your sister, your parent, your friend. Even if the actions of another have contributed to the squeezing, to the unbearable load you are under, keep on keeping on with faith and joy. Do not let yourself question God's goodness or His Sovereignty. Counter any evil thoughts with the implanted Word of God. Never believe the whispered lies of the devil.
Be doers of the Word. Your actions should follow your beliefs. Do you believe that God is good? Then act like it! Don't succumb to despair because you've eaten nothing but rice for a week. Be thankful for the rice! God has given that to you! You have health and strength to cook it, to eat it, to enjoy it with your family.
Do you believe that God is in control? Then keep on trusting, even when things look bleak. If your marriage is failing or your child is dying of an incurable disease, God has not failed you. Do not succumb to unbelief!
If you have grasped that God is good, at all times, in every way, then act like it! You will be blessed if you proceed in faith. As Elisabeth Elliot says, "Do the next thing." But do it in faith, believing that God is with you, that He is helping you, that He knows the path that you take and will work it all for your good and His glory.
When things are falling apart around you, bridle your tongue. Control the words that are coming out of your mouth, by casting yourself on Jesus. Die to self, yield to His will, and let His life shine through you. Remember His example - He suffered more than any man, yet without sin.
His life is in you. Walk by faith.
Ah, you've hit upon my favourite book in scripture. I could read James over and over for all the comfort it provides!
ReplyDelete(I still don't have internet at home...I'm just visiting on a friend's computer)
I'm glad you popped by, Kim.
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