Sunday Devo - June 2, 2024

James 1:2: My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

According to this verse, we are to expect trials as Christians. Jesus said, ‘in this world you will have tribulation’. It’s a natural, normal part of the Christian walk.  There will be all different types, a variety of them. In the Bible we find trials come about for a few different reasons: It may be that God is disciplining us, He does that with His church. Prov. 3:11-12. They may be a form of judgment in the life of people, Psalm 81. God giving people over to their own devices, Hosea 4:17.  And some happen too because we are Christians. It may be for our growth, to stretch us, teach us patience. Remember, we are in this ‘walk of Faith’ to grow and mature, and trials are tools, to move us and scoot us on -and up -to higher levels of faith- when we persevere in His strength thru them. So, for disciplinary reasons, for growth, or for judgment and also God's glory.

So how can we possibly have joy in our trials and temptations? Well, the sense is this: We are joyful at what God will do thru those trials- the outcome of it, the fruit of it. We know there is a loving heavenly Father behind it that wont allow me to be tested beyond what I am able to endure, and I know that He is allowing what I am going thru for a purpose. God doesn’t waste time or opportunities. I may not always know what it is that is going on in my life, but the Lord does - and that is sufficient for me. Can you say that? About where you are right now in your circumstances or situation? Does ‘content’ describe your heart this morning, no matter what is happening to you? We can always be content in the Lord inwardly, tho outwardly the world around us is raging on chaotically, trusting that He knows best and loves us supremely.

-Pastor Mike