Good morning! Today we will continue our reading in James chapter one. It is a powerful reminder to the Christian believers who were scattered and also to us as we endure various trials. Sisters and brothers, remember to keep the faith, continue to endure and grow. 

Bible Verse: James 1:2-4 NLT

“² Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  ³ For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  ⁴ So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

Reflection

As James writes, he acknowledges the persecuted Jewish believers. He addressed them warmly and with compassion to “consider troubles an opportunity for great joy”. He never said to be joyful of the troubles/trial, but “in” or “during” they (even us) go through the trial was primarily what he sought for them to understand. James recognizes trials are difficult, and it would be easier to escape a trial, however, he said to “count it all joy when you fall “into” various trials (New King James Bible Version)”.

In my reading today, I came across this interesting perspective, “Everyone has experienced both the pain of problems and the ensuing profit of persistence. There is no gain in endurance without some investment in trails.” It is true, and truthfully it is our faith in those trials that produce our perseverance. When we consider every/various trial in our lives, and we remember that we got through tougher times or we might say, if I or they got through it I can too – we move in faith from “why” to “I/we” can and will get through this too with God’s help/strength. Faith allows us to stand and remain steadfast even in the difficulties.

Life’s difficulties are always around us, but it is our perspective that helps us to navigate through those difficult situations. Persevering is a staying power that allows us to finish what is being matured in us in the trial. It would be easy to give up and walk away from difficulties, but sometimes the better result comes from walking through it and allowing God to use us, mature us, and perfect us over time – “staying power”.

Sisters and brothers, God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. I often tell people about my response to God in times of trials – Lord, I don’t need to have a testimony for everything. Today, I finish that statement with – yet, I will endure. Yet, I will endure.

Let God grow your faith and stretch you in the various trials. He won’t leave you. He will see you through.

Questions:

• What are you facing today?
• Are you haunted by the spirit of fear?
• Will you remember the spirit the Lord gives?
• Will you find simple joys as you build endurance and grow in faith?
• Are you ready to let go, and say – I will endure?

Prayer

Father God, thank you for sending your son Jesus Christ to save us from our sins. Thank you for the gift of salvation and the hope that we have in Christ Jesus. Lord, forgive us of our sins (known and unknown). Cover us and keep us aligned with Your truth and love.

Lord, we pray for those who are going through tough situations that are in or out of their control. Lord, we pray for joy in the midst of whatever we may be going through. We pray for peace when the storms are raging in our lives. We pray for our faith and the ability to trust you when the enemy attempts to disrupt our peace with fear. Lord, remove doubt and fear, and replace it with Your spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.

Lord, we lift up the women and men in this world and ask that you open our eyes and soften our hearts to love people like you so. Lord, we ask that they surrender their lives to you and that they grow or continue to grow to be godly women and men. Help them when they are weak and strong. Help them to lead their families and children as you do. Equip them with Your wisdom and discernment. Help them to be Your voice in a world that does not know you.

Lord, we pray for the church – all churches around the world, those with walls and those without. We ask that you lead them and that you heal the church. Continue to strengthen pastors and ministers who desire to follow you. Equip them and give them the wisdom to lead your people. 

Lord, we continue our prayers for those who are ill and we ask for your miraculous healing and recovery. Lord, you can make them well, please have mercy on them and heal them.

In Jesus name, amen.

——-

PRAYER REQUEST
Do you have a prayer request? We would love to pray for you. Send your prayer request to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

Bible Reference: http://www.biblegateway.com

Resources: The Bible Knowledge Commentary

Copyright ©️ 2017-2030 Mary E. White Ministries, all rights reserved.