The Good in the Bad!

The Good in the Bad!

Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. JAMES 1:2‭-‬3 AMP

When dealing with God, you have to always remember that you know nothing at all about anything. Human wisdom, human ability and knowledge make no sense when you are dealing with a God who is Himself the personification of Wisdom. His wisdom predates the creation of the world so there is nothing in creation that can explain his power and authority. His power predates the nations of the earth, so there is no power on earth or in nations on earth that can withstand his power.

In that wisdom and power does today's extract then make sense. Trials are never a 'good' thing, as they evoke a picture of pain, difficulty and discomfort. How then do I rejoice in something like that? Actually, it is only in God's Word that you find a charge to rejoice in such situations, and the reason why such a charge will make sense is because of the authority of the One who speaks and the One in whose hands my life is. The charge is addressed to people of common blood heritage; people washed by the blood, who identify with Christ and share his identity in the present while looking forward to eternal dwellings in the future.

Why would I rejoice in trials? It is because of the end result of anything that ends up in God's hands or under his command and authority. If indeed I am God's child, there is nothing that happens to me by chance, and anything He allows is fashioned to build me up and bring me to the place of absolute dependence on God. If God cannot trust my long-term commitment, how does he entrust long-term assignments into my hands? If I cannot hold on to God in the days of trouble, then it is certain that comfort and convenience will turn my heart completely against God.

Standing true to God in trials lead to spiritual maturity and inner peace. Trust God to work out his power in me, not by the easy way, but the hard way. He's taking me to a place of beauty, but the road there will be rough. He's preparing me for great exploits, but the path may lead through the desert. Whatever it is, I must be sure I am located right, where God can reach me and use me for his glory. If I belong to God, there is no limit to the great things He can do in and through me. All I need do is trust that he knows what he is doing, and that all will end well, in accordance with his plans and purposes. His time of favour is here.