“When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”(James 1:2-4 NLT).
James tells us the attitude we should have when trials and challenges come our way. We shouldn’t reject them, or be angry and frustrated with them, but see them in a positive light as an opportunity to grow. When we look at our troubles this way and engage the Lord to help us find our way through them, we will find ourselves stronger on the other side of the trial.
We should never think of ourselves as victims when difficulties confront us, but as victorious! We have God with us, inside us, and nothing is impossible for our God who loves us and promises to never leave us or forsake us. Our God is always working things out for the good of those who love Him. When trouble comes our way, we need to keep our eyes steadily fixed on Him. Then, we won’t fall into believing lies that tell us we can’t overcome, endure, and emerge victorious!
Easy to Say, Hard to Do
I realize that embracing difficulties and problems as a positive is not easy! Shortly after my husband purchased a new truck, I was in a minor car accident, and I certainly struggled in the first few hours after the accident to see anything positive about it! My mind was reeling and I was overcome with many emotions, none of them very positive. However, I did experience some supernatural emotional strength to remain peaceful. I think it’s very helpful to pre-position ourselves to realize that troubles will come in life but that God will help us through them all. If we posture our hearts this way, then in the moment of trial, it is easier for us to remember to cry out to God and know that He is with us and will strengthen us.
In my case, a few days after the accident, while sitting in the repair shop, reading a Joyce Meyer book, the Lord dropped some totally awesome revelations into my mind. Ideas that will help me fight some battles I’m currently fighting. Perhaps going through the accident allowed me to see things differently, and therefore allowed me to see some of the things God was trying to show me. I know that I definitely emerged stronger in faith after the accident.
Thank you, Father, that no matter what comes our way in life, You can use it for our good. Help us to be ready, filled with the knowledge of Your power and goodness so that when trials come our minds will reach out to You in the heat of the moment. Help us to see the good You are working through our trials.
Glenda
Thank you Melissa, I love this “We should never think of ourselves as victims when difficulties confront us, but as victorious! “, amen!
Dierdre Abernethy
Yes Melissa, as hard as the journey is through trials, God is faithful and builds more trust in us. I have walked this many times through the years and can look back saying “ He has never failed me.”