What did God show you, teach you, reveal to you, do for you this last year?
This past year God has taught me to “consider it pure joy” when I face trials in life. It is through these times that He
refines me, draws me near to Him, teaches me to trust Him to have everything under control, and by doing so, He gives me peace that transcends all understanding.
It sounds counterintuitive to “consider it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds”; but when we believe that “the testing of our faith develops perseverance and perseverance must finish its work so that we can be mature and complete, not lacking anything,” it makes sense. Don’t we all want lives of substance, with depth, and refined in a way that transforms us to become more like Jesus? Trials transform you.
Physical training is difficult, but the results are strength, endurance and fitness. Disciplining ourselves to read our Bibles daily, praying, being involved in Bible Study, being in community with other Christians, and serving in Jesus’ name fortifies us. Investing in our faith fills our well, so when we have a rough season, we have a deep well to draw from to sustain us.
When we realize that it is trials of many kinds that build our faith muscles, cause us to have grit, make us rely on God for strength and grace, trusting the One who created the heavens and the earth, we grow spiritually like no other time.
I have also come to realize that when we worship, singing songs about God’s faithfulness, goodness, power and compassion, it is not just because God is worthy of our praises. But those words are echoed in our hearts during those storms of life, reminding us that God is in control and never will He leave our side. Ever.
It is through the fire that our character becomes refined. We gain compassion and our eyes are opened to those going through similar situations. God will always use our experience to help others and bring blessings out of difficult situations. Jesus taught us that in this life we will have trouble. Can you imagine not having a spiritual well to draw from or Jesus by your side?
How do you hope to respond to God this coming year?
The way I hope to respond to the lessons God has taught me this coming year is by believing life is an adventure. With Jesus leading me, I will be brave and strong. I know that I am a daughter of the King. I have a hope and a future that God has prepared in advance for me. God has been abundantly faithful in my life, with many different stories throughout the years. I will follow His nudging that I have felt for so long of writing, speaking and sharing about the goodness, grace and love of my Savior.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,
whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your
faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance
finish its work so that you may be mature
and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4