James 1:2-4 NLT
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
The chose that we face with trials and the progression:
“…consider it an opportunity for great joy.”
This is a choice we have. Instead of looking at troubles as a pain in the butt, we can choose to look at it differently.
As Christians, as we mature in our walk, we should come to realize that our troubles are allowed by God for the very purpose of growing us in our faith.
“…your endurance has a chance to grow.”
“A chance to grow.”, another choice in the equation. When we are open to looking at our trials with open, humble, and submitted hearts, we open ourselves to an opportunity to grow in knowing Jesus Christ. We have an opportunity to participate in the name of Jesus and witness to others by how we respond to the challenges we face.
“So let it grow…”
Submit to the Lord in the trial, and when you think you can’t bend any further, SUBMIT even more. This is a choice.
Are we going to create “conflict” or “chemistry”? We always have that choice.
And here is the great promise of God…
“…when your endurance is fully developed, you WILL be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
This requires us not to wish for our circumstances or the people around us to change but for us to change and grow into Christ’s image.
Jesus walked willingly to the cross and submitted to the will of God. He didn’t argue, fuss, or fight, and He knew that God was at work, and He knew that His sacrifice was going to save us from eternal damnation, and He knew the price He was going to pay was worth it. And He willingly paid the price out of unconditional love for us, and we didn’t deserve any of it.
Thank You, my dear Lord and Savior!
I don’t know about you but that fills me with great joy.
Heavenly Father, Thank You. Help me keep my heart submitted to You, understanding that the trials that You allow into my life provide me the opportunity to choose You.
I pray that You continue to give me a courageous attitude to follow You in every way.
I pray that my witness to others as a follower of Jesus Christ shines so bright that others will get to know You by my attitude, example, and words.
In the name above all names, Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen !! 🙏❤️
