Trials

Posted on August 10, 2020 by Catey Stover in Victory Call

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4
I was interested in finding out the accurate meaning of a trial; according to the American Heritage Dictionary, 4th Edition, the definition is: “A test of patience or endurance.” The definition takes me right back to the Bible in the book of James, to produce patience and to endure. Trials come unexpectedly. The situations are uncertain, my perception is vague and I feel isolated; the outcome is unknown and at that very moment I wish it never happened. I know God is with me during the most difficult times, watching to know will my faith in Him increase or will I turn away from Him. The gift of faith comes from the Lord, the perfect example, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”  Hebrews 12:2.

I must abide in the Lord, learning from His examples, seeking of His joy for His strength that I may endure to show the evidence of Christ and the truth of His Word. The trials will allow me to be acquainted with waiting on the Lord producing patience, resulting in endurance with God’s joy.

Honestly, my way of thinking has been to pass up on trials. My feelings will dictate it’s better to be comfortable and at ease with things that concern me. I find complacency sneaks in as a result of being comfortable. I don’t want to be satisfied with these feelings, for they are deceptive. My feelings will stifle my spiritual maturity and cause no growth in my faith to trust God.

Paul speaks of the way he lived; “serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews” Acts 20:19.

God gave His children His son as a great example: “To these He also presented Himself alive, after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days, and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God” Acts 1:3.

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation” 1 Peter 4 12-13.

Dear Lord, You are greatly to be praised for all things. I thank You for Your admonition towards Your children, Your courage, and the strength that Yyou graciously give us to undertake the trials. You have provided for all of my needs. Praise You Lord, I am learning more of You every day.

Lord, I love You!

Written by Sandra Valdes: Sandra serves full time in Guest Services at America’s Keswick. She has two daughters and one granddaughter. They fill her heart with joy. All Glory to God!


Think About This: “Let God’s promises shine on your problems” – Corrie Ten Boom

The Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 41-44| You can download our 2020 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here. 

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men 1 Peter 2:15

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.

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