Faith for the Journey

“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. If anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does”   James 1:2-8.

We all face trials every day. It is the nature of living in this fallen world. James encourages us to consider it pure joy when we face trials. When was the last time you rejoiced in your trials? Sounds like a lofty goal that is impossible to accomplish. When in the midst of trials, it is hard to believe that we can actually grow from unwanted circumstances. Many times we can look back and see many things the Lord has accomplished through us and for us. I understand that all of that doesn’t help us when we are in the midst of a trial. It doesn’t erase the fact that God will help us through. We need to be constantly reminded that God is there to help us through. He will use our time of saturating in the Scripture in past days, people in the present who have gone through similar trials, and hope in a future with a loving God who cares where we are at all times. God gives wisdom generously, not holding anything back.

When it boils down to it, everything that happens is a testing of our faith. Misunderstandings, loss, difficult circumstances from our own making or just because we are in the wrong place at the wrong time are just a few to mention. It doesn’t help at the time to know that we can be strengthened in our relationship with the Lord. Notice James mentions that if we don’t believe then we are going to be tossed around by the wind. One person will say one thing, the voices in the world will say another, the voice inside my head will say even another, and we will be unstable in our thinking when we try to apply a little from each one of these sources in order to cope. When it’s all said and done, it is what the Lord has to say about our trials that matters the most. What is God saying to you in the midst of your trial? Many have not removed themselves from the pattern of this world long enough to hear the voice of God.

If you want to mature in the faith and persevere to the point of lacking nothing, then turn to God through His Word and through prayer. Your faith will be better for it if you only simplify and go directly to the source of life. I know that is a simple answer, but that is what it is. Sometimes we make it too difficult. James reminds us that it is going to be our belief in the God who provides everything we need that will help us to soar over our trials. Trials will still come, but it will only get you closer to where God wants you to be.

We are in unstable days as a Nation. People are more concerned with the voice of this world than they are the voice of God. Let me remind you that God is our source and strength. No matter how big the trial, God is bigger. Turn to God before you turn to Facebook. Turn to God before you get the opinion of others. Turn to God!

I am looking forward to worshipping on Sunday. We are going to continue to look at Matthew 23 and seek the heart of the only stable presence we have in our life – the Almighty God. Come and anticipate the Lord to speak to you and give you an increased faith that will complete you through and through.

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike