On Wednesday, April 11, I began a Bible study at our church, Calvary Christian Center. Our topic is the book of James from the New Testament Bible.
James has a lot to say about trials and how we can grow in the midst of them.
He starts his book with a somewhat strange statement: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. (Some translations use the word patience.) James 1:2,3
I’m sure that not many of us put the words, pure joy and trials in the same sentence. Yet James wants us to know that it is possible.
When I hear the word, patience, the first thought that comes to my mind is waiting on or for something. However, the word patience really means: “To hold one’s ground in conflict, bear up against adversity, hold out under stress, persevere under pressure."
Truly this is not a passive resignation to adverse circumstances, but a positive steadfastness that bravely endures. It is an active, strong, unshakable trust in God that finds it base in belief in the integrity of God’s character, His Word and His care.
The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:7-9
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
That makes me think about a popular toy that came out in July of 1971. The Weebles, those roly-poly toys that were egg-shaped with a weight located in the bottom-center. The weight kept them standing. No matter how hard you tried to knock them over they would pop right back up. The popular saying for Weebles was: “Weebles wobble, but they don’t fall down.”
Jesus Christ is the weight within us that can keep us from being knocked down and destroyed. No matter how many difficult circumstances come our way. No matter how many times we feel as though we are being knocked off our feet we can still pop back up. Not in our own strength but in the strength that comes through the Lord.
Romans 5:3-5 tells us: "...but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
We are constantly in a transformation process.
How thankful I am for a Heavenly Father who loves me so much that He will help me to hold my ground in conflict, to bear up against adversity, to be able to hold out under stress, and to persevere under pressure. In the midst of it all He gives me HOPE and does not disappoint me.
My prayer for you today.
Father God, I ask that you would bless those who read this blog. Help them to know and understand that you can give them joy, strength and HOPE in every situation they face in this life. I pray you would help them feel Your love in a tangible way today. In Jesus Name, Amen
If you would like to join our study on the book of James, I invite you to come on Wednesday nights to Calvary Christian Center located at 426 Laurelwood Road (beside the Coventry Mall/food court side). The class starts at 6:30pm and goes till 8pm. If you have any questions or would like prayer please feel free to call the church at 610-323-0480 or send a message to Mckinleyclm@gmail.com
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