June 22, 2018 – James 1:2-3

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. James 1:2-3

These verses can confuse or spell victory. No one desires a life of pain or agony.  I have heard the old adage, ‘Practice makes perfect’. Learning to play the piano took hours of practice and dedication.  When a storm gathers in our lives and threatens to consume us, we have a choice.  We can be a ‘victim’ or ‘accepting’. When we hang on to our faith in God He gives us strength.  

As a girl, my Dad told me the story of Abraham and his only son, Isaac, on the mountain. God told Abraham, he must sacrifice his son on the altar.  I marveled at the faith Abraham possessed in God. I pictured Abraham laying his son on the altar and Isaac’s trusting eyes watching as the knife raised.  God tested Abraham’s faith.  It is through the strength of Abraham, we are included in the covenant God made with Abraham.

It through Father God’s Son, Jesus was sacrificed on the cross, we are redeemed through His blood.  We are made perfect through the endurance of faith. Our faith is to be only in God, and not divided.

As I listen to memories of those who die in the Lord, I hear the words humble, gentle, giving, and caring about others.  How can that be? A lady of wisdom told me, Look for the angels!  This changed my thinking, making my life one of joy and compassion instead of dread.  Look for the good in others and forgive, in the name of Jesus!

So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:4