More Like Jesus - Not The Easy Road

 "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." - James 1:2-8

Let's call "wisdom" - spiritual understanding. We will all face struggles - trials. Both within, where others cannot see, and without where the whole world can see, if it bothers to look. Having spiritual understanding in the midst of those trials - Biblical perspective, if you will, is critical if you don't want to lose hope and struggle with your faith. 

The struggles that I face in this life test my faith which gives me patience. Patience, or in King James language - long suffering - is having a willingness to wait on and trust God in the midst of the test you are enduring. A significant truth is that it does not mean that waiting and trusting while enduring the test will end well from the world's perspective. It may mean suffering some sort of loss or coping with heartache as a result of the test. In fact the outcome of the trouble is not what happens after the test is over, but is part of the test. Romans 8:28 is not a promise that every trial you face in this life will end in the problem being rectified, you being vindicated, the illness not ending in death or more trouble, or that a relationship does not remain broken.

To quote the pastor again, "Building something [spiritual] in me is not easy [on me]." He described it as "leading me home on a difficult path."  And to quote a Country-western song (modified slightly) "I beg your pardon, [God] never promised you a rose garden!" At least not this side of heaven.

"Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation" - 2 Corinthians 1:6

OK - one more quote from Sunday. "We are not a reservoir, we are a river." In case the meaning is not obvious. The comfort, the wisdom, the patience that we enjoy not "in spite of" but "because of" the life events we endure is to be used by us to come alongside others facing their own struggles, in need of Godly comfort and is not to be stored up for our own benefit. The next time the Spirit prompts you to speak to or to visit with someone who is enduring a test - you don't have to just dump Scripture on their doorstep - along with a reminder of God's promises and Truth, what they need is "Jesus with skin on". In other words His ambassador. In other words, you. A lot more could be said, but I think I will stop with that. Well, maybe a quote from Jesus.

"I [Jesus] have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone