James 1:1-12
Reflect
Adversity, defeat, misunderstandings, dashed hopes, losses, isolation, fear, criticism, mistreatment, and disagreements. How many of us would count ourselves fortunate to come across one or more of these in our journey? I dare say we would not be too excited about them because these are tough things to encounter. And yet in James 1 we are prompted to see these very things as an opportunity for something positive to come out of. The question we can ask then is, “What could these kinds of trials possibly do to help us out?” James explains that when we encounter trials, they provide an opportunity to evaluate our faith.Through this we can see where the strong points are and where the weak areas are? Out of this evaluation James then says if we persevere in the face of trials, we will have a more mature Christian life. The key element here in this equation seems to be perseverance. Webster’s defines persevere as “to persist in a state, enterprise, or undertaking in spite of counterinfluences, opposition, or discouragement”. Perseverance in the face of trials builds maturity in our faith.
Apply
What trials are you going through? What does perseverance in the face of these trials look like? Through the journey of trials pray for God’s strength in your weakness, as you persevere in the face of them.
Pastor Mike
Pray
- Pray for Pastor Lyle, his family and ministry.
- Pray for Eric Peters, Facility Manager; Custodians, Adit Gamble, Stan Goodnough and Anne King; Maintenance, Joe Richards.
- Pray for our Church Board members: Barbara Whidden, Bee Stiansen, Cam Klapstein, Darryl Sparling, Gerhard Hiob, Julie Leverette, Marvin Schneider, Matt Barker, Matt Chute, Mike Pedde, and Nick Mitchell.