Guidance Through Hardship

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that 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 perfect and complete, needing nothing.” - James 1:2-4 NLT

Our trials allow us to grow in Christ. It is tempting to read or hear the word of God and leave it at that moment. However, we should treat our walk with Christ much like studying for a test. As believers, we read the word of God so we know what God has said and instructed us on. While at the time of reading, we may not be facing a circumstance that requires us to apply a specific instruction. But, we have studied the answer to be recalled in our mind when the time comes for application. In this case, we can grow our faith by applying God's word, trusting in it alone, and trusting he will work things out. Here we learn he is dependable and true to his word. We also see the simplicity in accessing God's power through submitting to his word.

However, if we come up on a test and have not previously prioritized reading God's word for preparation, we are left vulnerable to failure. Simply not being aware of the promises made to us through Christ Jesus can be momentarily detrimental. We may not know there is a Godly solution. We may not trust that God will work in our lives or any other assumptions from poor preparation. This does not mean we are out of reach for God to help us, but it does make things increasingly more difficult in our times of trouble.

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” - James 1:5 NLT

For example, James 1:5 tells us to ask our Father for help and he will give it to us; he will provide us with wisdom. As a believing Christian, this should provide hope and peace. The Bible is God's word, God is not a man that he should lie (Numbers 23:19), so we can be confident that he will help us. The only condition is to put our faith in God alone. Wait for his instruction as you seek it consistently. Wavering in our faith is what makes us unstable in our mind, and keeps us from receiving from the Lord (James 1:8) NLT.

"God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.” - James 1: 12-15 NLT

There are times it seems we are being punished by God for our decisions. But, we know there are natural consequences to everything, whether they be good or bad. Often we suffer the consequences of acting out of our selfish desires and plans, rather than seeking God's will for our lives and his guidance through our troubles. We move away from God and toward our desires. Turn back! Stop in your tracks, and refuse to move forward without the direction of God. We are protected when we are within God's will.

Remember !!!

“So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, becomes his prized possession.”- James 1: 16-18

- T.B