James 1:2-4
Dear brothers, is your life full of
difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough,
your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to
squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full
bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full
and complete.
The Living
Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission
of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All
rights reserved.
Today, two “memes” showed up in consecutive order on my Facebook wall.
The first one said, “Sometimes the strongest among us are the ones who
smile through silent pain, cry behind closed doors, and fight battles
nobody knows about." The next one said, “Dear ‘Whatever doesn't kill
me’... I'm strong enough now! Thanks!” I was unable to positively
determine the authors of these quotes, but I felt they were worth
sharing.
None of us likes to be uncomfortable. We do not relish
difficulties and temptations…much less a “rough row to hoe!” Ask anyone
if he/she enjoys tests of patience...or problems...and you’ll probably
get a resounding “NO!” The old adage that "What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger" may have some truth to it...but most of us would rather not test that theory!
Still,
we read in James 1 that difficulties and temptations should bring us
joy! We read that patience will grow out of challenges…that our
character will be strengthened, and our faith in Jesus Christ will be
fully developed. And those of us who have lived through some “stuff”
can attest to this. As I think about my own life and the times when I
was truly tested…I see how God used these times to develop my faith
muscle - and keep it strong.
Timothy mentioned to me again this
morning that "your home is always joyful and happy” (his words). He
knows that Greg and I have challenges…that we have experienced grief,
health concerns, and other life events that have tried our patience.
And yet, he sees that we are (generally) able to manage them with
confidence…and a positive outlook. I pray that our children will take
this example to heart…that in the years to come, we can encourage them
to internalize the words of James in this passage... and trust God to
care for them and develop their faith – even in difficult times.
There
was one more “meme” that I noticed as I was preparing this message. It
said, “People who wonder if the glass is half empty or half full miss
the point...the glass is refillable.” God can fill our “glass”…and He
will do so over and again, if only we will trust Him. I cannot prevent
challenges, heartaches and disappointments in my own life, the lives of
our children – or you! But GOD can help us all to grow in and through
these experiences…and share an ever stronger faith in Him with others.
Whatever
you are experiencing today, trust God to get you through it. Allow Him
room to work, and watch as He develops your faith and strengthens your
ability to operate in patience, courage, and empathy. God will fill
your “glass”…and keep it filled. Are you ready to let Him?
©2016 Debbie Robus
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