“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” James 1:2
Life has a way of shaking us to the core, but aah only if we let it! God has made us unshakeable and whatever life throws our way, we have been endowed with the Holy Spirit’s help to withstand every challenge! I don’t know about you, but during the midnight hour, it’s my hour of power! I get recharged and armed with “unshakeable faith” in God’s word to be able to withstand any challenges I may face. This verse James 1:2, it encourages us as believers to view trials and challenges in life as opportunities for growth and development, rather than a time of despair. We should approach difficulties with our eyes on Jesus and our faith anchored in Hope, which is Christ Jesus, our Living Hope, recognizing that when we go through each difficulty we are not alone, but our character is being refined through patience and perseverance, which leads to spiritual maturity.
How does one focus on joy, especially at a time when storms are raging? We are encouraged to turn our eyes upon Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith during these times of adversity. “For the joy of the Lord is our strength” Nehemiah 8:10. “We are to look to the hills from which cometh our help, all our help comes from the Lord.” Psalm 121: 1-2.
As believers we are encouraged to have an unwavering faith, even when faced with adversity, and to trust that God can use every situation for our ultimate good. Here are a few scriptures to remember when adversity strikes:
1 Peter 4:12-13: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange was happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.”
Daniel 3:19-25: “Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans, and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that were tied up and thrown into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty,” He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the God!”
Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
These verses highlight the testing of faith, the potential for persecution, and the assurance of God’s presence and protection during our times of trial.
Let us pray,
Father in the name of Jesus, thank you that we have a confidence in your word, that when we pray according to your will, that you not only hear us, but promise to grant us the petition that we have asked of you” 1 James 5:14-16. Thank you for promising to never leave us nor forsake us, but to be with us in trouble and bring us out victorious. In Jesus Name! Amen.