Verse of the day: James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
Trials, difficulties, calamities, poverty, and any other types of tribulations are not meant as punishment for the follower of Jesus. These are allowed to come into the believer's life to test our faith. To show us where we are in our walk with the Lord, to show our weaknesses, and what areas we need to give over to the Lord. It is all part of the process of making us more like our Savior. When we choose to live for the Lord, we will undoubtedly face challenges, and persecution. However, we are told to rejoice, both in this verse, and Matthew 5:12, where we are reminded that there is reward for us in Heaven when we endure. Will testings come? Yes. If Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to be tested (Matt 4), then how are we to think that we will not be allowed to be tested? Just as Jesus' defense against testings was Scripture, so with us it is of utmost importance that we study, and learn, the Word of God, so that we respond to trials and testings properly. We are told to rejoice, and count it all joy. Trials are not easy to endure, and while in the midst of them it is not easy to be grateful; but in the end, they teach us patience, and how to respond in a godly way (with thanksgiving and praise). 1 Peter 1:6-7 reminds us that whatever we suffer here is only for a short while, and ultimately is more precious than gold; for in the end, there is reward that is more valuable than anything this world can offer. So, whatever we are going through now, will ultimately be for our benefit, and God's glory, as God tells us that all things always work together for good (Rm 8:28).
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