If you’d like, you can listen to the audio clip here, or read the transcript below:
2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
James 1:2-3 New American Standard Bible
My friends, though no one is going to want to willingly seek out problems to find joy, we do know that even when problems enter our lives, we do not need to be dismayed because there is that gift of joy if we patiently endure it
For example, Jesus endured the Cross for the JOY set before Him. Now that word, endure is critical. Jesus did not rush the Cross, or panic about the cross, or become angry about the Cross. He ENDURED it by keeping his eyes on the higher goal, namely joy
So, I wonder if this is true today? I wonder if our own trials, our problems might be seen as doorways discovering more about God’s all surpassing glory, and the richness of His presence. Because if it is, we will also experience
So, in closing here is a practical tip of handling the next trial that comes your way. Become proactive and and dare to ask God “What in the world can you teach me now”.
And then, listen and learn.