by Dona Hake
I am happy to be able to bring this devotional to you today. After days of not having use of my computer and the internet, I am very thankful that it is up and running!
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.”
To be quite honest this scripture used to kind of baffle me and I would think I can not understand why James would say to count it as joy when you are going through a bad time. The more of life that I have experienced the more I understand this scripture. If our hearts and minds are open hardships have the ability to bring new perspective, and greater appreciation for everything and everyone around you.
The first thing I want to say that really stands out to me is that we need to come to a place where we embrace hardships and tests with a right attitude. I think the hardest thing for us to do is embrace a difficulty. 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 want to
get angry with God and turn their eyes away from Him when things are not going their way. 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 in 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. May we rest in that promise no matter what. God is good all the time, all the time…God is Good!