“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you maybe perfect and complete lacking nothing.” - James 1:2-3 (NKJV)
Who among you have not experienced pain and trials so big you thought you can not get away from it? So far, I haven’t heard anyone who hasn’t been into some kind of trouble, sickness or difficulty. Trials, as we all know, are part of life. So we may as well be ready for them at all times.
But how?
When I was a new Christian and the first time I read James 1:2-3, I didn’t have any idea what it meant. I was thinking, “How can someone be joyful when you are hurting, when others mistreat you, when storms of life befalls you?” How can you grin and bear it? How can you put a smiling face all the time pretending everything is okay when they are not?
But God has a different thing in mind. His thoughts after all, are not our thoughts.
God uses those troubles to test our faith and to make us stronger. God knows my weaknesses. I can be a weakling. I can have a soft heart that can be both to my advantage and disadvantage. But God has not given me a spirit of fear (or timidity) but of power, of love and of sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7 ). I’m telling you, I’ve memorized that verse many times, to remind myself that I have the supernatural power from God only if I draw strength from His power. At times, God has to keep on reminding me though that it’s not my strength but His strength that I need. When everything seemed rosy and wonderful and grand, when I became complacent in my faith, then that’s the time I got some beating, so to speak. And I’m telling you, those were the times I learned to hear God’s voice and felt His mighty presence when I don’t have anyone else to turn to.
Because He’s always there for me.
I know how it felt to be on a verge of a nervous breakdown. I experienced how it was to be in a seemingly hopeless state of mind . I’ve been through trials too painful that I even contemplated doing the unthinkable. But God in His mercy had lifted me up from the pit and showed me the way to His heart. Your friends, relatives and Pastor can pray for you, but they don’t have all the answers. Jesus is the Only way.
We just have to trust our heart as we learn to listen to the Holy Spirit in us.
Are you experiencing trials? Smile. God has something big in store for you. Trust in His promises for you. "For I know the plans I have for you, " declares the lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who loved Him.” -James 1:12
Like a caged bird that no longer sings.
Trapped inside with broken wings
Alas! What a pitiful sight !
But deep inside, there’s joy that lasts.
Straight from my heartache, I thank God, because He is using those broken chords to give me sweet melody-a new song in my heart. He is mending my broken wings so I can fly higher because He alone is the Wind beneath my wings.
Praises to God in the highest! And glory to His Name!
Gloria Tiquia
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He sees, He hears, He knows, He cares. He is so near to the broken hearted. You are so right about everything that you have written here. Surely the joy of the Lord is our strength.
Dear Gloria, As God's messengers here on Earth, we have incredible opportunities to share HIS WORD, HIS LOVE and also to share what we learn through our own adversities. Each trial offers a lesson that we can share with others to lighten their loads. When they know we have experienced similar struggles, illnesses or problems, they embrace our help and we can be more effective messengers for the Lord. It is wonderful to come through a rough time, but it is a BLESSING when we can use our heartaches to ease another's pain. God bless you, dear Sis. Love, Peggy
Gloria, I love the transparent, poetic way that you write. You're so real and down to earth. Thanks for posting this. It's always a good reminder that God's ways aren't mine. He's got it all figured out and that is a comfort.
Gloria, I love the transparent, poetic way that you write. You're so real and down to earth. Thanks for posting this. It's always a good reminder that God's ways aren't mine. He's got it all figured out and that is a comfort.
30 Jul 2008
The Lord lets us go through trials sometimes so that we can help others when they have burdens too heavy to bear. "Count it all joy when we fall into many trials..." (ad-libbed version). Knowing that God saw US through, we can help others in their trouble....Great testimony...Helen
Oh Gloria I HEARD every word that you wrote. I have experienced so many of those same feelings that you explain here in this article, yet God has held us and kept us PTL. Beautifully written Sweetheart. I love you, Sharon
