HANDLING THE TRIALS IN THIS FALLEN WORLD

HANDLING THE TRIALS IN THIS FALLEN WORLD

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. —James 1:12

            Let’s face it— none of us desires to go through hard times.  Who wants to have trials?  Who wants to suffer pain and heartache?  Surely none of this is something we desire for ourselves or for anyone.  But… we live in a fallen, sinful world and because of that trials come.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” —James 1:1-8

            We are to be joyful for what the trials produce in our lives— steadfastness, maturity, dependency on God, seeking His wisdom, faith, one-mindedness and stability.  The person who remains steadfast under trials is blessed.  Why? Because when a person stands the test, he will be rewarded because of that person’s love for God.

            It is “easy” to love God when things are going well, but to love God in the midst of trials truly shows how one cares for Him— ask Job, he can tell you about trials!  (Job 1).  So, in your trials, look to God in faith, ask Him for wisdom to go through it and He will give that wisdom according to your faith and cause you to be stable even through the trial.

Dear Father, whether good times or in times of trials, may I love You, live for You and do Your will.  Yes, may this be so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus.  So may it be.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsQmsEE_2-s