Scripture:
James 1:2-4 ESV
[2] Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, [3] for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. [4] And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Observation:
I know it’s rather late, but I felt it nessesrey to get into the word and share what I have found. James is one of my favorite books… I know I say that about a lot of the bible, but maybe that is because the bible is a collection of my favorite books. Let’s see what James has to say. Putting together a plan against the enemy is vital, and James wants to get us out in front of it. He tells us that one of the main tools to disarm the enemy is to not allow him to get you caught up in the hard things that happen in life. James is teaching us that GOD can use those things to mold and shape us. Trials and tribulations are character building opportunities. James tells us it’s how GOD prefects our faith. Counting those trials as teaching moments, GOD wants us to lack nothing. Shaping us through trials. Faith is taking action when things look like they are not working out in our favor. Testing us to see whether or not we have learned what we need to live a successful life of faith is what the trials are about. Considering those trials, joyful teaching moments take the power away from the enemy.
Application:
I woke up this morning to a dog that got out that ended up with the windshield in my truck broken. I know you might be thinking, how does this make any difference. Well, my reaction matters. Stressful situations can turn into emotional reactions that cause a lot of damage. Taking a few moments to consider what GOD might be trying to teach me through the way my morning started helped me think about how our emotions can cause us to miss the teaching moments. I don’t know about you, but I want my faith to be perfected. Trusting HIM even in the face of the trials, knowing that HE has a plan for all of it. The Bible says all things work for good for those who love GOD and are called according to HIS purpose. Every trial I have ever faced has brought me to a point where my reaction this morning was not near as bad as it could have been. I know GOD has got me. The windshield is no big deal. The dog came back, and life was moving on. Counting those hard times as teaching moments helped me to see that my emotions can get out of hand real fast if I don’t look to GOD before I react. The enemy has schemes, but GOD has a plan to protect our faith. The bible says HE is the author and finisher of that faith.
Prayer:
Father, we trust that you will make all things right. We surrender to your will, those teaching moments we know that you are good, and you plan is a good plan help us to build the character that is needed to be the men and women you made us to be. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen