Faith Withstands Every Trial
Focus Scripture James 1:2-4
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
My dear brother and Sister, have you ever deeply considered what you believe, and where was that belief birthed? What is your ideology? What is your thinking based upon? Do you simply go with the flow, or do you pause to contemplate, rest, listen, examine and reflect? Has life taking you by the reins in which you are scattered to and fro by every wind of doctrine? Or are you trying to control everything, planning, fixing, changing and attempting to solving every problem? Or have you come to a place of surrender, knowing that the ultimate plan for your life was written before time. That God spoke into your life and ordained your path through destiny. It is no wonder King Solomon concluded ‘It’s all vanity’. Indeed, life without God at the centre is fleeting. One truth that John declared is that all things were made through Christ Jesus and without Him nothing was made that was made. (John 1:3)
He is before all things and in Him all things consist and are held together. The amplified bible expands stating the He is the controlling, cohesive force of the universe. I pray that you believe the truth which is the word of God capture in the bible. It is all gor our good.
We give thanks to Father God Almighty for such topics that cause deep contemplation and the opportunity to dwell in His word.
This week’s theme is ‘Faith Withstands Every Trial and James tells us to count it ALL joy. Knowing that testing of our faith produces patience and patience ushers us into spiritual maturity. I would like to rest on this statement, ‘KNOWING that the TESTING of your faith produces patience. Often when we face trials, difficult times it is natural to assume that we are being punished or the enemy is buffeting us. But in our Christian walk God is calling us to move away from the natural to dwell in the supernatural, that is the phenomena beyond the laws of nature. It is true that we are "seated in heavenly places" as believers adopted into the fold, we are spiritually united with Christ at God's right hand, sharing in His elevated position and spiritual blessings. Naturally we would say how is this possible but spiritually in Christ Jesus, nothing is impossible.
James the writer of our focus scripture was Jesus’ half-brother. He grew up in the same house as Jesus but neither he nor any of his other brother born to Joseph and Mary believed in Jesus. John tells us that even his own brothers did not believe in Him (John 7:5). Yet, in our focus scripture James opens his letter to the twelve tribes stating, ‘James, a bondservant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.’ What a transformation, from one who did not believe; to joyfully proclaim himself a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. The God that he grew up praying to but now also to Christ Jesus, the one in whom he did not believe. The title "bondservant" reflects willing surrender, complete devotion and wholehearted obedience.
What a transformation. That is what coming to the knowledge of truth affords us, as receipt of grace. James did not believe when Jesus was alive performing signs and wonders, perhaps He was too close to home (Matthew 13:57) But after having an encounter with the resurrected Christ he came into faith (1 Cor 15:7)
How does this translate to us today. It is only by an encounter with Christ that we can come the knowledge of the Truth. Faith withstands every trail, but we cannot walk in faith absent of relationship with our creator. Sometimes our trials position us for breakthrough, sometimes our trails are God’s way of drawing us to Him, He wants to turn us around and redirect our focus. Sometimes our trials increase our capacity so that we may stretch out our tents and enlarge our territory; not merely increasing our influence, but increasing our capacity to be filled with God, to walk in greater dimensions of His presence and purpose, and sometimes our trails are works of the enemy, to deter to distract. His assignment is to kill, steal and destroy. Whatever the source of our trials, God remains sovereign and is able to work all things together for good for those who love Him. May you know that Jesus prayed for you, that you will be protected from the evil one. May you know all things work together for Good. May you not lose hope for you are on the winning side. May joy be your portion and may patience cultivate humility. May you continue to walk forward remembering that faith is not the absence of trials but the confidence that God is present through them. Every test, every delay, every disappointment, and every victory is an opportunity for God to shape us into the image of His Son.
Faith withstands every trial. Therefore, as James encouraged 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 mature and complete in Christ Jesus, lacking nothing.
If you find yourself in a difficult season today, do not lose heart. The God who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart and saves those who have a contrite spirit (Psalm 34:18). He has not abandoned you, and He has not forgotten His promises. Even when you cannot see His hand, you can trust His word.
So, as James encourages us, "count it all joy" not because trials are easy, but because we know our God is faithful. He is refining your faith, producing perseverance, deepening your character, and preparing you for the purpose He has ordained for your life.
May you stand firm in every trial, anchored in Christ Jesus. May your faith remain unshaken, your hope unwavering, and your love for God grow ever deeper. May the peace of God guard your heart and mind, and may God’s word strengthen you to endure with joy until His perfect work is accomplished in you.
Be encouraged this week. Trust God's process, remain steadfast in His Word, and remember faith withstands every trial because Christ has already overcome the world.
With much love
Your sister in Christ
Scriptures for reflection:
Colossians 1: 17 Jesus the centre of it all
Ephesians 2:6 Seated in heavenly places
Romans 8:28 its all good
John 17:15 Jesus prayed for you
John 14:13 As accord to his will
Philippians 1:6 Faithful God
