Thought for the morning
James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
For months we have been exposed to a virus which is plaguing the world including our country. Life has changed and we are all affected in one way or another. We know friends, maybe relatives who have passed away, some are sick. Many have lost their jobs and financial pressure has come to many. We walk around with masks and there is no physical contact. We are together and yet we are separated.
James in his letter writes, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience”. We might ask the question; what joy can possibly come through trials? How can there be joy with all that is going on in this world that is affecting all of us? James writes that trials test our faith leading to patience.
Chapter 11 of Hebrews gives us examples of those in the past, that through faith, have overcome trials. These saints are a witnesses to us that trials do come to those who God loves.
Hebrews also reminds us of “the author (Christ) and finisher of ourfaith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross,”(Heb 12.2) It appears that the joy set before Him is the salvation of each of us! God is love, He is also patient! For us to be patient through trials is not easy. But to be patient without hope is futile. We have hope in Christ and no matter what happens in our world our hope is resting in Him. The Lord may be testing our faith in this season but with testing is to come patience, knowing He is in control.
James 5:8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
In whatever testing comes our way we are to be patient. Just a thought for the morning.
Carl
(8/5/2020)