Most of this year so far has been really tough for me and my family. From having financial troubles to discipline issues with kids, having car troubles to a death in the family. From getting six kids to their doctors appointments and practices and other extra curricular activities to trying to stay above water with the bills and work, then trying to go back to school. It really puts a lot of stress on a person. So when spending time with the Lord I was reminded of the scripture James 1:2-4 ”Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance, 4 let perseverance finish it’s work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
I know (from experience) that as some of you are going through the trials of your life, it is hard to trust in this scripture. It’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. How do you consider it “pure” joy, when you’re going through these trials?
Now from the time I first excepted Jesus in my heart 17 years ago, until this year, I have been greatly blessed by the lord, even to the point of being spoiled “God is Good!” To having all of these trials in my life is a big eye opening experience and tough lesson to learn. But one of the very important lessons I’ve learned in my race, is to “always trust God.”
Isaiah 43:2 say” when you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”
When I had first became a baby Christian, I was having a tough time in my life and I had resolved to trust in the lord, no matter what happened, and he blessed me financially and with favor with man, he opened doors for me that were once closed. And had blessed me ever since.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 says “for I know the plans I have for you,” says the lord. ”they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”
Although my life is tough and stressful right now, I know it is but a season and that although I may be in a dark tunnel, I know the lord is with me and that with him, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I know he will bring me to the light at the end of the tunnel. And I know I will trust and love the lord with all my heart, all my mind and all my strength. And I leave you with this scripture, 1 Peter 1:6-7 “so be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold -though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.”
To God be all the honor, all the glory and all the praise!!! Forever and ever amen!
Pastor Perry Stands