James 1:2-4 (NASB)
2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:12 (NASB)
12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

1 Peter 3:13 (NASB)
13 Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?

We deal with many trials and temptations in our lives. The greatest temptation is often to be without temptation, for then we are most likely to fall into a lukewarm faith, content with our current state of sanctification, or even worse we take pride in our self-righteousness.

For most of us, when we face trials initiated by others, it isn’t physical but rather verbal. But who can really harm us with words? Isn’t it often rather our own pride, our passions, and the sin within that rises up and injures us? Do we try to defend our positions because of our Christian faith, or is it that our self-image is tarnished? If our faith is being tested, then we must persevere, knowing that God will bless us.

James give us a tough command when he says we are to consider it all joy when we face trials. Only when we pray that God will increase and we will decrease, can the trials purify rather than fester in our hearts. When self is rendered to nothing, there is nothing left to tempt.

We can only reach that joyful state through prayer. Join us this Tuesday at 7pm as we call out to the only One that can renew our hearts and bring us joy.

Always praying for the glory of God,