Ezekiel 35-36 / James 1:1-18 / Psalm 116 / Proverbs 27:23-27
I have talked from time to time about hard times, trials, difficulties, etc. No one really wants to talk about the sad or bad things that happen, but maybe we should. If we would talk about them, we could find sense in them. No one would sign up for trials; you’d have to be crazy to volunteer for that. But what we gain out of them is priceless.
So, what do we gain? Because if there is no benefit while we’re going through the tough stuff, I’d just as soon pass. James 1 is a challenging chapter of the Bible. The whole chapter contains hard-hitting truth. But it’s a chapter that has helped me persevere through some very difficult times in my life. Otherwise, I may have given up all together.
I especially appreciate James 1:12, “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” New Living Translation (NLT).
Earlier in James in verse three we read that when our faith is tested, we gain endurance. That is our first benefit. As our endurance grows, we become mature, needing nothing. That is our second benefit. In verse twelve, God blesses those who are patient: benefit three. And benefit four is that beautiful crown of life we will receive.
Knowing I’m gaining something from my pain helps me to patiently endure the trials. The truth is that the trials will come no matter my attitude. I can fuss, cuss and be angry. Or I can endure, asking God for grace and peace. I’ll admit that I’ve done a little bit of both. I’ve cried, whined, and complained, but guess what? Nothing changed.
However, when we choose to be patient and keep our eyes on Jesus, the trials seem smaller and less scary. The trial may still be there and we may still be suffering, but there is this unexplainable joy that comes. There is a peace that settles like a blanket over our hearts. We feel stronger and more powerful.
And we need that feeling. We need to know we can endure and that we are made strong through God’s help. Imagine the alternative: a bunch of cry baby wimps that nobody wants to be around! LOL! Seriously, nobody wants to be wimpy or be friends with someone like that.
I personally prefer to spend time with people who are joyful in hard times. They empower me and make me feel that I can do anything. People like that are so encouraging! I want to be powerful and encouraging to others. I bet you do also. All of us want to be known as strong and helpful to others. When we are both strong and helpful, our lives feel full and complete.
And that’s part of why we’re here – to live full lives that give God glory and bless others. Remember that we will not always suffer. There will be a day when we move from this earthly realm into our heavenly home. All suffering, tears, pain, etc. will be gone and we will enjoy God’s presence for the rest of forever. What a day that will be!
