Tag Archives: trouble

Joy in Trial

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Consider it pure joy, my brothers [and sisters], 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, NIV*

I’ve read these verses over the years and always thought the “pure joy” at trials was for a level of spirituality I hadn’t yet reached. The Apostle James could do it, and probably folks like Billy Graham and Mother Theresa, but not me, not yet. Then I noticed something new: there’s no period after “trials of many kinds” – there’s a comma, an explanation.

James isn’t saying “Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials.” He calls us to consider it joy because behind the trial is a test of faith. And it isn’t the pass/fail kind of test to disqualify us. It’s the kind of test that proves our faith is real and strong. It’s the kind of test that will strengthen and develop us.

So… we can consider it pure joy to see that God is using the circumstances of our current trials to prove the strength of the faith He has given us, and to develop perseverance within us. He’s completing the work He begun in us, and in that we can be joyful.

Father, You are so good to us. Thank You that nothing comes to Your children without being filtered through Your fingers. Thank You that what the enemy of our souls means for harm, You can work to good. Please strengthen our faith, help us trust You, grow us in perseverance. Because of Jesus. Amen.

This week’s song is Michael Card‘s “Joy in the Journey.”

*New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Let Go, Let God

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When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
1 Peter 2:23, NIV*

We may not be able to change our circumstances, but we can change our reactions to them.

The Apostle Peter tells us Jesus “entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” The Message says He was “content to let God set things right.”** That implies He trusted God to be willing and able to do so.

And in chapter 3 Peter tells us to live the same way.

Pain, tiredness, worry… whatever stresses me-I have a strong emotional response. Same with anything I dislike or think should be done differently. Control issues, I know. And who actually rules the universe? Let me think: not me!

So when things go wrong in my day, my agenda’s thrown off-course, someone chooses to do something at home or at church that’s not what I’d choose… if I’m tired or in pain… I’m to entrust myself to God who judges justly.

Not to lie down and play martyr. Or passively-aggressively sulk. (Who, me?) Actively, positively… trust God. Commit my way to Him.

Father, sometimes there’s pain. Or tiredness, fears or struggles. But if I can’t walk away, please protect me from making things worse. Give me Your peace. Help me know You’re with me and that You have a plan.

Help me trust You and live submitted to Your leading. Help me cooperate as You retrain my mind into healthier patterns. Thank You for Big Daddy Weave’s version of “Trust and Obey” on the radio this morning to cement the teaching. Help me keep it simple, LORD. Help me trust and obey.

Here’s our song for the week: “Trust and Obey,” from Big Daddy Weave.

*New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

**The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson