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"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
(James 1:2-4)
Trials are inevitable. Difficult days will come to us all. Sometimes the raindrops become torrential downpours. No, it's not because you've done something wrong. It's just part of living in a fallen world. But do not despair. God uses these painful experiences in our lives to mold us into the image of Christ ( Romans 8:29).
Trials are never easy, but they have a purpose. God uses them to strengthen our walk with Him. I was telling someone the other day how our church in Austin, TX continues to weather various trials. We still only have about half our people back on campus because of COVID-19, the February freeze inflicted much damage from burst water pipes, and now COVID-19 has struck again, with many falling ill lately. Our student pastor, Jeffery, contracted the virus while on a mission trip to Boston. He started showing symptoms while at student camp. After a positive test result, the camp leadership decided to send all the campers home. Oh, and there is the other matter of $379,000 in roof repairs our church must pay!
What do you do when besieged by numerous and painful trials? Well, we do have a choice. We can become bitter and angry at God, or we can allow God to use these trials to make us better. I am choosing the latter. Will you join me?
You may be going through a horrendous time, and the last thing on your mind is praise and prayer. But here is the good news: when we choose to praise God and pray to Him, or as James puts it, "count it all joy", He works in powerful ways. When you choose to praise Him during the storm, then you unleash the power of God in mighty ways. This is what the Bible calls a sacrifice of praise. Hebrews 13:15 states, "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name."
I do not know your trial or what is pressing heavily upon you today, but God does. I ask that God lift your burden, in Jesus' name!
My wife, Ashley, and I will lead a prayer service tonight at 7:00 p.m. It will be online only. We will worship and then pray for many needs. We will be live-streaming to Facebook, YouTube, and our website at ghbc.org/live-worship. Join in with us and type in your prayer requests and we will receive them in real time. This is really neat, and I look forward to it. |
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