Trials....

I haven't always had a good attitude about the struggles and trials that I have, and am faced with in my life. Moping and whining..."Why me, I don't deserve this!" My whole outtake on the situation completely centered on myself, every bone in my body seeping with selfishness.
Grumbling and complaining.
Discouraged.
Miserable.


Then, one day I stumbled upon this passage....
James 1:2-4 

"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."


I was enlightened..
I want to be "perfect and complete!"
But, it doesn't make sense to me....how on earth am I supposed to be joyful, and thankful when there is a raging sea all around me? Are you nuts? Do you have any idea what I've just been through?” It does sound rather idealistic, if not downright impossible.

--

and God spoke...
"I AM ABOVE ALL THINGS:
your problems...
your pain...
and the swirling events in this ever-changing world.
When you behold my face...
...you rise above circumstances
and rest with Me
...in heavenly realms.
This is the way of peace
living in the light of My presence.
I guarantee that you will always
have problems in this life..
but they must not become your focus...
When you feel yourself sinking
...in the sea of circumstances,
say,"JESUS HELP ME"
and I will draw you back to Me.
Even if you have to say that thousands of times daily
....don't be discouraged.
I know your weakness...
and I will meet you in that very place"


--


Then I realized... I was making my problems bigger than God. In my mind my problem was so big that I was loosing sight of who God is and what he can/has done.Struggle in the Christian life is inevitable, lifelong and ultimately beneficial. God uses trails to strengthen and grow us, molding our shaping our character, so that we may become the men and woman that God wants us to be! There is no growth without struggle!
I think he also uses trials to show us just how great He is, and to strengthen our faith! Without trials, we would have absolutely no need to rely on God for anything. Our world would be perfect, and we would have no need of a savior!

At least that's my take on it!


SO........

"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."


A few other verses...

1 Peter 4:12
"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;"

Romans 8:28
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose"


I would not be who I am today if I never encountered these trials in my life. I would't have been convicted of this, and I wouldn't be writing this post either. So I rejoice and thank God when trials come my way!


I found this interesting translation of James 1 verse 2....it kind of puts it in a more relate-able way “When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives, my brothers, don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends!”

I think that is pretty cool!


I want you to take the time to go check out this link. This blog is written by a new friend of mine :) that I am so thankful for. He has a good heart, and some great things to say on this topic, and others.


Blessings <3