Trials of Life

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. JAMES 1:2-4 NIV

Have you ever wondered why our prayers are not all answered instantly? Why aren't the blessings promised in the Bible immediate?

If all results were instant, we could never walk in faith. Hebrews shouts, "Without faith, we could never please God." (Hebrews 11:6)

A few months ago the author of "adevotion.com" wrote, "If you always reaped the harvest of your deeds immediately, the incentive to do right and refrain from wrongdoing would only be selfish. No faith, or love for God, would be required. During delays we have opportunity to demonstrate whether we really love God, and trust Him, or not."

This is my first post in the journal. It comes after my mom's recent death and the death of a man who was immediately healed a few months ago of major back pain. He came to me with his cancer and said that he knew that if I laid my hands on him and prayed that he would be OK. He reminded me of his back and how after I had lain my hands on his chest that morning, the pain which had been constant for weeks immediately left. I prayed for him with humility for I know that I have no power to offer aside from the will of God. I believe in God's power to heal -- to even raise the dead! I've come to see death as God's ultimate healing. For those left behind, we must continue on with faith unwaivering! God answers all prayer. God heals. When you ask God for something, don't be impatient and don't expect God to do your will. He sees from a better vantage point. He knows what's best for us and will answer our prayers with our best interests in mind.

A delay is a test. Without testing, there could be no reward. God does not test us so that we can fail, but so that we can overcome. He believes we will make it with His help. You and I desire an instant manifestation of victory. God's desire is for us to press into Him and His Word and walk in faith until we see victory and that victory just may be the ultimate one -- seeing HIM FACE TO FACE.

To overcome in this world there must be opposition and struggle. God cannot always shield us from problems without taking away from us the privilege of overcoming. Victory is sweet. What makes it sweet is that it is not easy.

If we really trust God, time is not a problem. Leave that with God. His timing is perfect and He is dependable! I pray your trials and struggles with life will produce perseverance that will show you to be mature and complete in Christ .... lacking nothing!

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Pastor Steve
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things pass away, behold, all thing become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."

Pastor Steve, thanks so much for this message. I hold it dearly. It's very true. We always want God to answer our prayers on our scedule, and we always retionalize why He should answer it when we want it. God tests us, and wants us strong, but the problem is - people don't want to be obidient. We don't want to take that leap of FAITH and TRUST. We don't want to wait. We want it NOW NOW NOW, ME ME ME. And I'm talking for myself also. A lot of Christians can relate to this topic.

This topic is controversial in the Christian world, and I'm not surprised why so many read your entry, but have not replied. We all gotta start being obedient, and make that choice with all our heart to love Him, trust Him, and HAVE FAITH in Him.

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"I value the friend who for me finds time on his calendar, but I cherish the friend who for me does not consult his calendar."

"If you always do, what you always did,you will always get, what you always got!"

"Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life." - Philippians 2:14-18
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Denny K

I logged on for the first time in a while. Need to hear some preaching! Ran across this journal entry and devoured it.

This is such a difficult time and I rarely allow myself time to "think" or "dwell" on the reality of my daughter's disease.

"If we really trust God, time is not an issue". It is stuck in my head. I can't tell if I am irritated or hearing what I need to hear.

I think of words in the Bible that are difficult to "hear" that don't tickle my ears and can convict my heart. I get all prickly then too and start the "but I..." and justify whatever suits me.

Steve, I miss being there but am amazed at how you still touch all our lives and that God keeps us bound as a family...us, my cluster, the church body. Thanks for staying who you are in Christ.