Trials to Joy

When I find myself facing trials in life, my initial reaction is to want to shut down and give up. It is crazy to think that my first instinct is to lose hope. Because, is that not just the quickest way for the enemy to get us? The enemy wants us to be down and out, and he wants to keep us there for as long as possible. 

James 1 speaks about this very issue starting in verse two. It says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and      sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." 

We are always going to be facing trials in life, and they will range from small to big. It is what we are going to do with those trials that matters. Personally, I like the sound of being mature and complete, not lacking anything. I am far from that, but I continue to press towards the goal. It is hard to do...not something we necessarily want to do. It is instead something that makes us choose. Each time we face a trial, it is an opportunity to choose hopelessness, or God. 

You may think that is a drastic comparison, but what is the result of choosing to be defeated? God is VICTORY!  

It goes on to say in verse 12, "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."

So I encourage you, though hard at times, to persevere through your tests. Know that we have a God who is on our side, and will never give us more than we can handle. It will never be more than we can handle, because as long as He is in us, we do not have to fight alone! 

Know that our trials make a strong, and give us the ability to encourage one another. Our successes are stories that can and will change lives!

God Bless!