Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials (temptations) of many kinds. – James 1:2-4
For years, this has always confused me and it almost felt cryptic (typical with a message that seems buried in scripture with hidden meaning). I am old school and believe in “JUST SAY WHAT YOU MEAN” so while the actual interpretation of this scripture may be easy, the MEANING of this scripture can be (or it was for me anyway) rather elusive. It sure is easier to think about the meaning of this scripture and what the purpose of our strife may be when we are NOT in the midst of it. But holy cow – deep in the middle of these painful and confusing times it is like we become some kind of a barely functional zombie. All mental thought processes cease to exist and we just react on shear instinct (which means human nature) and usually we regret our actions at a later time once we see the situation with rational and forgiving minds. Remember this: God intends everything that happens in our life to benefit the Kingdom in some way. ((Ouch))
I once asked a friend of mine why he didn’t have the cute little Christian fish symbol on the back of his car. “Are you kidding?” He said explosively “The way I drive? I don’t want anyone knowing I am a Christian!” Admittedly it was pretty hilarious at the time and we both laughed and laughed. But…we need to realize that there are eyes on us…waiting, watching, observing, -no not aliens- but there are others who may be on the fence about their faith and in the end…what’s the point in being a Christian if there is no difference between us?
God trusts us with the issue; He wants us to need him to solve the issues…not just handle it ourselves. When other people see us rely on Christ to get through difficult times, then the focus is no longer on US or our wimpy problems, but they see how Christ is the one who gives us patience, hope and peace. None of which come naturally…we have to ASK for them and tell God we want to let Him get the glory for our woes. Look at what Horatio G. Spafford wrote in one of the most well-known hymns throughout the years “It is well” (with my soul)” – I can tell you this…there was nothing WELL in his life when he wrote that. But he wanted to give God the glory for even a horrible event that took place in his life. As a result, many people have been drawn to that hymn and who knows the countless number of people that have been blessed because Horatio took the focus off of him and put it squarely on God.
“And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, shall keep your hearts,
your minds through Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7″
Notice how this next scripture says “if you THINK…” I don’t know about you, but many times I have THOUGHT I was pretty solid…only to find out I was still quite shakable.
12So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!
13No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.
And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out
so that you can endure it. – I Corinthians 10
When we are faced with temptations, and we all are, along with the temptation comes a choice. And God has given us His promise that He is faithful to give us the strength to choose the right, and give us a way out of the temptation. The choice is ours, and it is always in our power to resist sin. Jesus has taught us that we must become like Him, conformed to the image of His likeness. And by His Spirit He has given us the power to do just that.
Try to look at your pain and suffering from a new perspective and realize you are just the ‘conductor’ between the situation and the glory of God.