Joy in Trials

Consider it a great joy my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4

There we have the mention of trials again. What is the importance of trails? Unless something is tested, we do not really know it is real. You could make a pottery cup and until you fill it with water you will not know whether you completed it correctly and it does not leak or fall apart.

Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, like a cup. When bad things happen to us we discover whether we are able to contain God's glory or whether we have tried to mix it up with some old, unsaved nature and what comes out is oil and water, not suitable to drink, nasty stuff.

In the book of Hebrews we are told: 'we are in need of endurance so that we might prove the will of the Father and go on to receive what has been promised. Hebrews 10:36

What sort of things test us? Disappointment, offense, the attitude of others, mistreatment by others. The list goes on. Our expectations of others, and God are often tested. Ever heard the words:' if you loved me, you would....' Our God loves us and will always be faithful in His love yet at times our expectations of tht love are fraught with difficulty. At these times we can become sullen and even turn from Him, when He has stayed faithful but we have expected, childishly, Him to give us our own way.

Like any good mother or father, our God does not jump through hoops just because we ask. He does what is best for us, period. If this means 'No!' It means 'No!' Amen! Accept it and move on!

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