Sunday, February 26, 2017

 
 
Devotional for Sunday, February 26, 2017
“Endurance In the Journey”
 
your faith will blossom
 
by Dona Hake
 
 
James 1:2-4 (The Voice)
“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.”
 
God is calling us to run with endurance in our journey here on earth.  Embracing hardships and difficulties usually do not come easy nor do we look forward to them, yet God has empowered us to endure such things by His grace and strength.    The average person enjoys somewhat a comfort zone, yet our Lord told us that in this life there would be trials and opposition.     It seems like human nature just wants to live in a place where there is no conflict but we well know that on this earth that is not going to happen. I find it troubling when Christians exhibit anger towards God when they feel their prayers have not been answered.  The truth is, we live in a fallen world but we serve a risen Savior that is well able to bring victory in every thing we face!
 
Jesus tells us in the Word that we will have trials and troubles and he tells us how to handle them.
 
John 16:33 (AMP) ” I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]”  
 
 Isn’t it interesting that Jesus mentions that in the midst of tribulation, trials, distress and frustration that we are to be of good cheer or as James said it,  “Count it all joy…”
May we continue to grow in our faith as we live everyday for Him.    May we keep our eyes toward Him when all is well, and may we ever keep our gaze on Him when we have hardships.   God has promised that He would equip us in this journey, and He desires that we travel this journey with great endurance.   May we rest in that promise no matter what.   God is good all the time, all the time…God is Good!