"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenver you face trials of many kinds, beacuse you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4
As I mentioned in another blog, 2008 was a very tough year for me. Many within our church family also struggled with trials in their lives as well - financial crisis, health crisis, loss of loved ones, broken relationships, just to name a few. The trials and tribulations I personally faced seem unsurmountable to me at times. Though I knew that God was greater than these trials, these experiences were extremely difficult to live through. I kept reminding myself of Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." But still, life was tough. It seemed as though we'd barely get through one crisis and another would hit us square in the face. It was like we couldn't get a break even if we bought one! I wondered what God was doing in all of this. Why? Why did we have to go through so many troubles? What was the point? After all, He promised a future filled with peace and hope. These experiences seemed like a far cry from this promise.
But then, in my heart, I knew that God was bringing us through these tough experiences to develop something more in us. You see, our idea of what is best for us is sometimes completely different that what God knows is best for us. For it is in the trials of life that our faith is made complete. We cannot mature as believers if everything is always coming up roses. Trials develop spiritual maturity. I'm not the same person I was a year ago. As a result of what God has brought me through, my faith has reached a level never reached before. Not only has my faith been strengthened, but so has my relationship with him as well as with others. Through brokeness and ashes, He has brought forth beauty.
Though I would not have chosen to experience any of these trials and tribulations this past year, I'm so glad that I did! God knew what He was doing. He knew what weaknesses within me needed shoring up. He knew what was needed so that I could better love, live for, and serve Him. He knows what He is doing in your life as well. Trust Him in good and bad times. Allow Him to continue a perfect work in you as you rely on Him daily. He knows what each and every one of us need. Don't give up! Ask for perserveance and trust Him to get you through your circumstances. In the end He, will bring forth spiritual maturity and completeness in you. So when you are facing hard times, with Christ you can endure ANYTHING! So when trouble comes your way, count it as a joyous opportunity for God to develop something WONDERFUL in you!
In His Love, Cathy
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