Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. And true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line—mature, complete, and wanting nothing. 5 If you don’t have all the wisdom needed for this journey, then all you have to do is ask God for it; and God will grant all that you need. He gives lavishly and never scolds you for asking. James 1: 2-4 (VOICE)
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4 NASOK I get it – going through a trial can be incredibly difficult. And it can seem like you are going to fall under the weight of it. But the only way that I have found to get back on top of it is to run to God!
One Word from God will change your life!
Why does God say to count it all joy when you go through trials? To get our answer let’s take a look at the word Endurance in the Greek.
Endurance (GR) is the quality that does not surrender to circumstances or succumb, fall, die under trial.
When you go through trials you have the opportunity to allow God to grow this quality in you. God is trying to work endurance in you so that when more difficult times come, you will be able to stand strong. This will be a testimony to all those around you causing them to want what you have – JESUS! You can stand under trial because Jesus has already won the victory. As you stand hold fast to His Word.
… seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there’s a harvest. Luke 8:15 MSGWhen you are STANDING tall in the midst of hardships you are blessed!
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 NASBlessed (GR) satisfied because he is indwelt by God. Satisfaction comes from God not our circumstances
Approved (GR) approved in the furnace of adversity. The EV translation says when he succeeds in passing the test.
When you go through trials, find your satisfaction in God, not in your circumstances. You are blessed because you are indwelt by God. If you remain yielded to the Lord, His presence will be seen through you. Don’t give up – He already won the victory – STAND!
Don’t drag your feet. Be like those who stay the course with committed faith and then get everything promised to them. Hebrews 9:12 MSG … We want you to walk in the footsteps of the faithful who came before you, from whom you can learn to be steadfast in pursuing the promises of God. Hebrews 6:12 VOICERUN TO HIM – EVERYONE WHO RUNS TO GOD MAKES IT!
XOXO Debra
