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.
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.
On the way through town the other day, I noticed a
beautiful pink dogwood blooming. As I turned onto the street where I live, vibrant
purple and yellow pansies brightened the entry. Irises bloomed along the
highway and phlox spilled over rock walls and across flower beds. Each plant weathered
another winter. Leaves fell off, blossoms died, and the frost shriveled the
plants to nothing. Yet, the green sprouted through the dirt again and produced
beauty. They didn't give up.
James, Jesus' brother, speaks about what happens
when we go through trials and our faith is tested. 2015 was a tough year. I
suffered through some illness and diagnosis I wasn't particularly happy about. I
have chronic pain and feel flat out terrible, at times. But as much as I wanted
to give up at times, my faith didn't failed. Please understand, I've been discouraged.
I've even been angry, but because I know beyond a doubt that Jesus is real, the
Bible is true, the Holy Spirit works in me, and God loves me— I have faith that
God is using my circumstances to make me a stronger more faithful follower.
As much as I dislike pain, I find joy in my
circumstances and pray God uses me to help the people in my path. As a work in
progress the challenges will keep coming. My prayer is to find the beauty and hang
onto James 1:2-4. Praise God for creating beauty out of my mess.