As a Bible teacher, I often come face-to-face with what I’m teaching. This seems to be a regular occurrence. So it doesn’t surprise me that as I write this new study on James and trials that I’m now immersed in a huge trial. It’s a biggy. This morning as I was pondering all this and praying, I thought I would write to you in the midst of your trial. I need this message probably more than you do.
Trials are inevitable! You may be going through the trial of the decade. It’s difficult. Messy. Stressful. You wonder if you’ll make it through. Your stomach is in knots. You want peace but all you see is division, chaos, and conflict. Well, that’s me this morning. I understand. As I went into prayer, the Lord reminded me of several things we need to do in the midst of the trial. Here’s a few things…
Count it all joy! Take time to thank God for what He’s doing through it and how this trial will strengthen your faith. Be joyful that this trial has come to you because in it, we can pass the test and persevere… which brings about Christian maturity and a stronger faith. It’s important that we live in thankful mode in the bad times as well as the good times. Thank God for His unfailing love, patience, guidance, and His support. Thank Him that He is with you in the fire.
Ask for wisdom! In the midst of James message on trials, he encourages his readers to ask for wisdom. Why do we need wisdom in trials? Because we need to know how to navigate through them with grace and courage. We need to know the right words to say and the right actions… words and actions that will bring glory to God. Wisdom is a GREAT treasure and we should always ask God for it.
Don’t be led by emotions or feelings! These two things are easy to do when we’re immersed in trials. But these things will always lead us astray… they should never be the driver of our car. We should always be led by God’s Word and the Holy Spirit. But let me remind you that our fleshly nature often wins over our spiritual nature, so we must conquer it and let our spiritual nature rise up.
Don’t let anger win! James mentions this as well in his message about trials. We’re not talking about righteous anger… an anger that is justified when people are hurting or we see an injustice. We’re talking about human anger that does not bring about the righteousness of God. It’s really easy to let anger rule in our hearts but this will only lead to more trouble. Nothing good comes from this kind of anger.
Be a light! Always remember what your purpose is… to point to Jesus. To show people their need for Christ. Let your light shine in the midst of the trial. Speak truth into the situation, love even when it’s hard, and stand strong in your faith. Be the ambassador you were meant to be. Trials are the perfect opportunity to our lights to shine the brightest.
I hope this encourages you today. I needed these reminders. Please pass it along.