Trials

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

JB Phillips' translation is: "When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives my brothers, don't resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends!"

A couple of weeks ago our church began a study of the book of James. Because James happens to be one of my favorite books in the Bible, it's probably one of the books I have spent the most time in. Yet upon each reading, I am newly challenged.

What struck me this time was this: for those of us in Christ, the trials we face are *redemptive*. God desires us to be mature and complete. And He uses trials to refine us and build character in us.

This made me ponder some of the trials I am currently facing. (I am a bit hesitant here, to be talking about trials in my life, because with the knowledge of the trials that some of you are currently facing or have faced, my own truly pale in comparison. I have not known the heart-wrenching pain that some of you have carried.)

One of the things our pastor challenged us to ask when faced with a trial, is this: "What are You trying to teach me, here, God?"

The following day I sat down, pen in hand, and listed the trials I am facing. And then I asked God, "What *are* you trying to teach me through these? What are You building in me through these trials? How are you growing me toward maturity through these things?"

I began to jot down some possibilites of what God might be teaching me, next to each trial I'd listed. My list grew to include the following: perseverance, persistant prayer, patience, love, unity in spite of differences, submission, humility, holding my tongue, love, patience, trust, humility, submission, waiting on the Lord, self control, kindness, a soft heart.

I noticed right away that there were some repeats. And what was sort of an epiphany to me was this: those repeats? Patience, love, and humility are things I pray for in my life nearly EVERY day. Practically every page of my journal reveals a prayer for more patience, more love, and more humility. Those are the big ones. In essence, these trials are the means to which God is answering my own prayers. That gave a whole new meaning to the idea of welcoming these trials as friends. I was able, that day, to genuinely thank God for the trials I'm facing, knowing that He is maturing me. Not to mention answering my prayers. :)

I encourage you to make your own list. Jot down your trials sometime and list what you think God may be trying to teach you. See what you come up with. And then welcome the lessons God is weaving into your life through trials.

Blessings to you today!