Be Strong in Character
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“Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete” James 1:2-4
A friend of mine had been very successful in business, but after he became a Christian everything seemed to go wrong. Problem after problem seemed to plague him. Yet he never seemed to be discouraged or defeated.
As we counseled together, he assured me that there was no unconfessed sin in his life. So I rejoiced with him that God was preparing him for a very important responsibility in His kingdom. That is exactly what happened. He is now the director of a very fruitful ministry for our Lord. The problems and testing served to help equip him to be a better ambassador for Christ.
If you are experiencing difficulties in your life – physical illness, loss of loved ones, financial adversity – remember the above admonition from God’s Word. Be happy, knowing that God will work in your life to accomplish His holy purpose.
You can decide how you will respond to problems and temptations – you can either become critical and cynical, or as an act of the will, by faith, you can choose to believe that our sovereign, loving God is allowing this to happen in your life for your own good and for His glory.
Even the hairs of your head are numbered. “His eyes run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9, KJV). He is tender, loving and compassionate, concerned about your every need.
Bible Reading: James 1:5-12
Today’s Action Point: When difficulties and temptations enter into my life I will – as an act of the will, by faith in God’s faithfulness to His promises – rejoice and be glad, knowing that He is always with me and will never forsake me. As I trust Him and obey Him, he will supernaturally turn tragedy to triumph, and He will change heartache and sorrow to joy and rejoicing. I will trust Him in the darkest night of circumstances.
Yes, I read the devotional also and I just finished reading the book of Job. Paul, you sure have gone through a lot! Thank you for sharing your story of faith. It encourage me a great deal. I used to think that when things were going bad in my life God didn’t love me and when things were good He loved me. But I have matured a lot since. What struck me about Job and you is that you are completely aware that God loves you and is fully aware of your situation and will rescue you. I was so blessed by your life’s story. Please feel free to share on this blog whatever is on your heart that others may also be encouraged. I will pray for you if that is O.K with you. Thank you very much!
Thank you. Yes, thank you very much. Very time appropriate, I needed that. My precious wife has had 106 surgeries and has many serious health issues. We have a son, 40, with Cerebral Palsy, quadriplegic, we care for like a small infant, I’ve had a brain stem stroke and diabetic to begin with. My job was suddenly given the scalpel and the outlook is grim, but there is a joy in my spirit and a peace that passes all understanding through Jesus Christ my Lord and yes, savior. Stress and anger issues? You bet. But I have learned and am learning to unload my burdens because, listen; I just cannot carry tham. They are absolutely overwhelming and impossible to carry. Yet He is blessing us in many many ways. The blessings far outweigh the problems. I’m not counting my problems, but my blessings. His Faithfulness is new every morning, His Grace is unfathomable and His Love is beyond any measure known to mankind.
When the stress comes down to a pin point in my life sometimes I do better than others. But I’ve learned to go to the High tower, the Rock of my Salvation, for refuge and strength and literally throw myself at His feet. He is my strength and my comfort.
Your words were like honey to my soul and the passages are written in my heart and mind. Thank you for sharing that.