The Real Purpose Of A Trial

 

Today's verse is James 1:2-3

     My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 

     Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 

     As Sons [or Daughters, for those that are triggered by the generic masculine] of Adam, few indeed are prone to enjoy having our resolves tested, especially when we have a tendency to fail them. Yet here, James invites us to count these times as a time of Joy. Why? First and foremost, we are not to count it as a test of our resolve, but rather, we need to see it as an opportunity to see God’s faithfulness to us. At such times, it is important to decide that we will trust God, rather than attempt to control the outcome ourselves. We need to trust that he has a purpose, a plan even, and that he will carry out that plan to perfection. James here tells us that doing so will work patience into us, and Paul tells us that patience transforms into experience. Both of these tell us not something of ourselves, but of the faithfulness of the God we serve. So, are you in a trial? Trust God, do not expect necessarily to understand now, for understanding will come later. Turn your face to God, obeying his Word in all things, knowing that he will direct you in the way you need to go. Then I dare you not to be amazed at what he has done through you. Amen.

To God be the Glory

Scott

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 1:1-2:21, James 1:1-8, Psalm 119:1-16

Tomorrow’s reading will be 1 Samuel 2:22-4:22, James 1:9-18, Psalm 119:17-32