Trials

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. – James 1:2-4

Trials come and trials go, but they remain constant in life.

Why would God allow difficulties to happen to His faithful people? As James points out, trials produce steadfastness.

We’ve all met people who stay calm under pressure. We look at them and wonder how they keep their heads on straight during such a time. Steadfastness. It is a gift God gives to His people. He gives them the strength to face all the trials of life.

Yet, we can’t persuade God to do this for us. This comes from a life in Him, which begins at the cross. Christ willingly accepted the punishment for sin.

While His death is depressing and seems like defeat, it isn’t. Jesus overcame death. We celebrate everyday that Christ is alive! And through this blessing of life bestowed from the empty tomb to the baptized child of God, new gifts come.

As a child must learn to walk and talk, children of God must also learn new things,  especially steadfastness. If you are not steadfast in your trials, grow towards it. Be constant in prayer. God, who rescued us from sin, death, and the devil, will provide for you.