Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity
for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let
it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character
and ready for anything.
~ James 1: 2-4 (New Living Translation)
Trials and troubles, troubles and trials. Ugh. Sometimes it seems like life is
filled with nothing but trials and troubles, and we struggle with that. Why? Why do
we always need to deal with troubles? Why isn't our life easy and trouble free now
that we've given our hearts to God and have chosen to follow and obey Him? Why isn't
the road smooth and level, with no obstacles?
The answer lies in growth. A life without obstacles, trials and troubles has no
opportunity to grow deep roots. Without troubles, we never learn to rely on God, to
find our strength in Him, and so our roots remain shallow. And when troubles do come
along, those with shallow roots are easily uprooted and swept along in a flood of
fears and worries. We lose sight of our anchor and our rock, and it's a scary place
to be.
Each trouble we face is a chance to cling to God, to trust Him for deliverance, and
for our faith to grow. As our faith grows and the roots grow deeper into the Rock of
Ages, we are able to stand when the inevitable troubles come our way. And the joy to
be found in the assurance that our faith lies in the One who will never fail us can
carry us through anything.
Lord, today we come before You asking for Your help in whatever we are facing. Many
of us are facing trials and troubles, and are overwhelmed. Remind us, Lord, that You
are our anchor, our shelter in times of trouble, and help us to find our peace in
You. Provide for our needs in miraculous ways, as a testimony to your saving power
and grace. Help us to be examples to those around us, and let them always see You in
our lives.
In Jesus' name,
Amen!!
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