During one of my morning’s devotions, I read James 1:2-4, “My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.”
After I read scripture my first reaction was “What!” Trials bring joy. I mean how can we look at the trials of our life and find joy? How can all disasters be a good thing? During this past month, we have seen, read, or heard about disasters ranging from floods, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms hitting many communities. There have been homes, businesses, and vehicles destroyed and people lives have been shaken to their very core. Where can joy come from that, or who can find joy in destruction?
Then I read it James 1:2-4 again. After mediating on what I read. I guess people can find joy in difficult situations, because God is with us. I mean Jesus went through pain, suffering and even death which didn’t keep Him down so it can’t keep us down too. Why, might you ask? Simply, Jesus was raised from the dead so that we have eternal life in his Heavenly Kingdom. Since Jesus was victorious over death, we can see the trials before us and find joy because Jesus is with us.
By knowing that Jesus is with us we can help people in need. When you see a person helping another person, you feel something deep down inside. That is where joy comes from deep inside us. You might say we melt a little and wanting to help people around us. Jesus knows that that feeling, why do you think one of his commandments is to love one another. Sharing the love of Christ and helping those in need can be rewarding. So whatever trials come to us may we let those around us to help us and if we see those hurting may we go and help them sharing Christ love to them.
Peace,
Pastor Kurt
