Taste And See That The Lord Is Good
Monday, November 18th, 2024
Praise God that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
James 1: 1-4
“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:
Greetings.
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
There are tests in life. A test can be on educational material we have memorized. It can be when, through life experiences, we face unexpected twists and turns where our true character comes to the surface. Trials are not what we look forward to or even ask for, yet the apostle James, in his letter, tells us we are to expect them, for he used the word “when” – “when you meet trials of various kinds.” One day, you are walking along, focused on your tasks, when a difficulty arises. You didn’t plan on this introduction, yet it interrupts your plans. So how do you respond?
James encourages us to “Count it all joy…” Hmmm, joy? With this unfortunate event?
How can I do that? The more compelling question is, Why?
There’s a benefit to choosing joy and thankfulness amid obstacles.
We can trust God when adversity comes because He gives us the gift of faith, which works, continues, perseveres beyond the easy times, and proves more precious than gold.
How do we know that our faith is genuine? When we go through trials and experiences, we see firsthand God’s goodness, who holds us close and carries us to the end. We have a Heavenly Father who loves us so much that He gives us hard things so we might mature in our faith and continue to be transformed to reflect His character increasingly.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Peter 1:3-7
Maturity has its privileges. There is knowledge to be gained, skills to be honed, and, more than this, a life-giving attitude to build.
The testing of our faith gives us freedom, freedom to soar and fly higher than ever before because we didn’t give up in the past.
Precious friend, you may face some tribulation that threatens to undo you. Let me encourage you to persevere, keeping your eyes on God, who is an ever-present help in the midst of all of it. He will never leave you nor forsake you. God holds your hand. Your Heavenly Father even goes before you to prepare the way. And, you know what is so wonderful? He is praying for you, interceding on your behalf that your faith may come forth as gold.
Life is a journey, yet its ultimate destination (eternity with Christ) can be enjoyed daily as you walk with a God who loves you and knows your name.
Don’t. Give. Up!
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The above photo is an enduring testimony of perseverance.
Here’s more information about it:
from Bing .com
“With waves crashing against its sturdy base and a stormy sea swirling around, this lighthouse in Porthcawl, on the south coast of Wales, has been standing resilient since 1860. At 30 feet tall, Porthcawl Lighthouse, designed by the eminent engineer James Walker, is often pictured being battered by waves when storms hit. The town’s rugged coastline, with its hidden rocky coves, has always posed a perilous challenge to sailors. Porthcawl Lighthouse was built to help guide the increasing maritime traffic along the Bristol Channel. This cast-iron lighthouse was the last one in the UK to be powered by coal and gas. Although it was converted to electric power in 1997, the lighthouse still maintains its historical charm.”
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***NOTE: This month is my spiritual birthday in Jesus.
I surrendered to the Lord 46 years ago!
Praise God for His Holy Spirit, who has enabled me
to walk consistently with Him ever since!
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Gleanings From Heaven's Gate 