No one wants to go through tough times, however we all will at one point or another. This life pretty much guarantees it. I find the biggest difference is how you go through them and who you go through them with.
Trials can pull you down and in every direction possible. But they can also strengthen you and build your faith in a way you never dreamed.
James 1:2-3 (NLT)
2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
I believe the key is finding that treasure in the trial.
What is the treasure? The treasure is JOY!
1 Peter 1:6-7 (NLT)
6 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.
Sometimes, we have to go through a little heat in order to find our faith. If everything was always easy, would we turn to Christ? We need to see our need of Him in not only our struggles, but in our everyday life.
In our book club, we were talking about the difference in Christ giving us joy and Him being our joy. Despite the circumstances or trials we can have joy. It requires an action on our part. We must choose it.
Honestly, it's hard to see it in the middle of a difficult time, but it's there.... that glimmer of hope. Ask Jesus to help you see it.
Going through a trial with Jesus is much better than without! Even better is going through a trial with Jesus and with joy!
Hebrews 12:2 (NLT)
2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
Choosing joy and fixing your eyes on Jesus takes your focus off your problems and at the same time gives you hope and endurance. This is what will give you that peace that passes all understanding.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Blessings!
Lori
Wonderful Wisdom, just when I needed it the most!
ReplyDeleteI just try to write what The Lord directs me to... I'm so thankful that you are blessed by it! Lord, help this person with what they are going through. You are always there! Help them sense you right now.
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