The book of James starts by telling us to consider the various trials that come up in life joy. Just as we do on Good Friday, we are encouraged to look beyond the suffering He faced that day towards pleasure and fruit that will come from His pain. Jesus was betrayed and took on the weight of the cross and the penalties of our sins to bring God Glory and redeem humanity. In Hebrews 12:3, we are advised to "Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. As we face hardship during our journey to bring God glory and be a light to the world, we are to look to Christ's sacrifice. While we look to Him, we see the beauty, power, and the following impact of weathering the storm. The trails of life are inescapable, but through Christ, God can guide us into fulfilling divine purpose in and beyond the struggle.
God does not waste a moment but will utilize all we go through to create "good" according to His purpose.
Trails prove efficiency and function. In our life, trials help us be molded for a divine purpose and live so that our activities bring glory to God and enlighten the people around us.
Growth is an integral part of being alive and functioning as part of the Body of Christ. Each day holds God's new mercies, an opportunity for transformation, development, something more or something new. We are encouraged and motivated to grow continually and to do this. We must take the time to look beyond ourselves to see them and see who we are and identify who God has made us be.
Life is far from perfect, but we can choose to see the beauty and blessing of God even in the face of hardship. Let us not refuse to grow because the conditions are not ideal.
I pray that you do not become disillusioned or jaded but choose to stay rooted beside the ever-flowing rivers of Our Savior, getting what you need to sustain no matter the season or circumstance. May you learn to enjoy the growth that comes through persevering, taking delight in the hard things that strengthen and sharpen you for the journey ahead.
Lord God, thank you for Jesus, who is the truth, the life, and the way for us all. We are grateful for the redemption and example we received through the sacrifice of Your Son. Forgive us for our sins and help us walk each day in your new mercies and rejoice in the day you have made. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Exercise your vision.
Look beyond the moment and take pleasure and praise God for the glory which shall be revealed (Romans 8:18).
Encouraging Verses
Romans 8:18 “For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us!”
James 1:2-3 “ Consider it nothing but joy, my [b]brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. 3 Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace].
Hebrews 12:2-3 [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, [a]disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]. Just consider and meditate on Him who endured from sinners such bitter hostility against Himself [consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
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