When trials come into our lives, we often look like this and say something like, "I can't believe this is happening! God, what are you thinking?"
That certainly is a natural human response, yet James tells us in chapter one of his book in the New Testament to "consider it pure joy whenever we face trails of various kinds." It almost seems backwards, doesn't it? Here's what we've got to keep in mind though, if we want to grow deep in our faith and be more mature and complete then one of the best ways that’s going to happen is through trials. Perseverance has a work to do, and this can be accomplished only by persistence in trials. If perseverance is to "finish its work," our faith must not falter or give up.
I'd love to hear from any of you as to the trials God may have taken you through (or are currently going through) and what God has taught you through the process. How has God deepened your character as you have learned to embrace this trial?
2 comments:
ok, I'll bite...
I can't really say that I have had any harsh trials in my life yet, but I guess I could share a small one.
I have recently become engaged and I'm aspiring to be a teacher. After several job interviews this summer, I was unable to land a full time teaching job.
I went through a short period of time of feeling frustrated and sorry for myself. 2 of my good friends who finished the teaching credential program with me landed jobs in schools of their choice.
I began to complain and worry to God about my situation and how I need the money in able to support my future wife and other necessities. I began to worry how my future in-laws would view me as someone marrying their daughter without a stable job.
However, through it all I can definitely feel God teaching me a few things about faith and being humble. I'm learning to trust that God's timing is nothing like ours and we must wait on him.
So far this school year, I am able to get sub jobs on a regular basis and establish some good connections for next year. God has given me hope to trust in Him.
Neil,
I guess it's a good thing that you aren't going through a "harsh" trial right now. I know those trials develop our godly character, but that still doesn't make it a pleasant experience.
I will pray for you as you continue to search for a teaching job. That is your trial right now and it's real, so it deserves prayer.
And by the way, when Kelley and I got married, it was awhile before I had a "steady" job. However those early years of Kelley finishing college, then me attending Seminary were great years. We always had just what we needed and had a chance to grow in our marriage and love. And that my friend, is priceless!
Post a Comment