Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.’
(James 1:2)
Someone once said, “What doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.” Walking with God will give you a lifetime of experiences when faced with different obstacles. You will go through various seasons, the pruning season, heartbreaks season, crushing season, and finally, the victory season. Suffering is part of the process when serving God.
The Bible tells us in Matthew 5:45, “The rain falls on just and the unjust.” When life happens, and attacks are coming from everywhere, the first thing not to do is overreact. God promises that “And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”(Matthew 18:20). The apostle Paul was a prisoner on a ship to Rome, and he was caught in a great storm. Nevertheless, He remained an encouragement to those around him and was not afraid of what could happen (Acts 27:25).
Suffering helps us grow into who God wants us to be, and helps us feel secure in His identity. In the end, the devil is after our peace and joy and wants to distract us from what God is doing in our lives. The book of James says, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2).
God is wise! The testing of your faith produces patience because it takes patience to grow into whatever God has destined you to be. No newborn baby can grow to an adult in 2 years, and no science or technology can do that. It takes patience to grow, and patience can be painful at times. But God is faithful, and even as He seeks to increase your faith and stretch your patience, He knows your frame and so He won’t break you beyond what you can endure!
The current state of the world is uneasy facing this pandemic. As God is stretching us in our faith walk, remember He is still in control. 1 Corinthians 10:13: Enjoy the growth process; we are all on a journey into knowing God!
Thank you for your wonderful words of encouragement during this testing season!!!
We want to pray more but so often we don’t.
If we could see ourselves–and our often silly distractions from God’s perspective, we’d understand exactly how much and what we’re missing.
Amen. Awesome words of encouragement. May God continue to bless you.