Message from Scripture: 8/13/2020

Today our message from Scripture comes from Jas. 1:2-4. “Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.”

While this sounds like an oxymoron, it is still true. Life is easier to live if we can look beyond the moment in time we are facing to the benefits that point in time can bring. No one has to tell us to enjoy the good times, but it’s not as easy when we have trials and difficulties to deal with. From our Scripture reading, James reminds us, no matter we face in life, we can trust God to take anything that comes our way and use it for good.

First, we learn patience through our trials. Patience is the power to hold out, to refuse to quit, to go on when we feel like giving up. Like exercise can strengthen our muscles and aid our overall health, so patience can only be developed when our faith is tested to endure. Endurance helps us receive the promises of God (Heb. 10:26).

Second, we learn compassion. While we may not all share the same experiences and problems life brings, we do share in having problems. This commonality among us all helps us to feel sympathy and gain the ability to encourage each other. It helps us bear each other’s burdens (Gal. 6:2).

Third, we learn to trust God. Difficulties remind us our existence in the flesh is temporal and uncertain. How much strength do we gain by allowing our omniscient and omnipotent God to work His good in our lives? Nothing is impossible with our God (Matt. 19:26).

David had his fair share of trials, but he could say, “Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved” (Psa. 55:22). So can we, if we believe in God. Have a great day. God bless.

Robert