Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
I was recently reading the above passage and it struck me how we grow to be most godly when we are enduring difficult times. There are many great lessons for me here personally, as well as professionally. We must all maintain a proper perspective when handling problems and going through difficult times.
For example, we can only find joy in the midst of problems when we recognize their purpose and results. The key here is perspective – maintaining a godly perspective. We actually grow stronger though our difficulties. Indeed, 1 Peter 4 tells how we are truly blessed when we share in the sufferings of Christ. And 1 Peter 2:21-23 tells us how to endure hard times using Christ is our perfect example.
Second, God gives us trials in such a way that we lack nothing in the end. James says, if we lack wisdom, we should ask God for it. We are to seek His will and his wisdom through whatever channels he provides (the Scriptures, godly counselors, our personal conversations with him, circumstances He arranges, etc.). It is no sign of weakness to pray for wisdom when facing problems.
Third, if we do ask God for wisdom, we must ask in faith, expecting His answer. Once we gain perspective and trust God for wisdom, the only thing left to do is optimistically to anticipate the solution.
Finally, look for the answer – and when you see it – act on it! A motionless object cannot be course corrected. Step out in faith and God will let you know if you are headed in the right direction.
Trials and problems have a purpose – to grow us to be more like Him!
Feel free to post your comments here or email me at csonger@new-communitychurch.org
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment