James__1
Scripture
James 1:2-4-
James 1:2-4-
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Observation-What does it say?
It is through suffering that our character and our faith is developed and strengthened. It is parallel to what Paul says in Romans 5:3-4-
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
Understanding-What does it mean?
We must thank God for the hard times too.
Without times of suffering, we don't have an opportunity to exercise our faith. If things went well all the time, where would reliance and dependence on God come in? Why would we ever need to run to Him? The pressure and sufferings that we experience in life gives God an opportunity to teach us perseverance and what it means to not give up and put our hope completely on Jesus Christ.
Life Application
Push through seasons of suffering with the Holy Spirit's help instead of running away or giving up.
Because suffering plays a huge part in how God molds us into the image of Christ, we should be thankful and push through those seasons with the Lord's help. It is unwise to run away or throw in the towel doing these times of refining.
Dear Lord, our hope, our help, and our faith come from You alone. I pray that we would rejoice not only in the happy times, but in our sufferings as well. Although it is not fun to go through hardships, I pray that we would rejoice that our faith, character and perseverance in You is being strengthened in the process. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi
Observation-What does it say?
It is through suffering that our character and our faith is developed and strengthened. It is parallel to what Paul says in Romans 5:3-4-
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
Understanding-What does it mean?
We must thank God for the hard times too.
Without times of suffering, we don't have an opportunity to exercise our faith. If things went well all the time, where would reliance and dependence on God come in? Why would we ever need to run to Him? The pressure and sufferings that we experience in life gives God an opportunity to teach us perseverance and what it means to not give up and put our hope completely on Jesus Christ.
Life Application
Push through seasons of suffering with the Holy Spirit's help instead of running away or giving up.
Because suffering plays a huge part in how God molds us into the image of Christ, we should be thankful and push through those seasons with the Lord's help. It is unwise to run away or throw in the towel doing these times of refining.
Dear Lord, our hope, our help, and our faith come from You alone. I pray that we would rejoice not only in the happy times, but in our sufferings as well. Although it is not fun to go through hardships, I pray that we would rejoice that our faith, character and perseverance in You is being strengthened in the process. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi